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ALL!:"  ■•■  L-'.  \. :. 

FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT, 

THE 

DISCIPLINE, 

A>'D  THE 

DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP, 

,  OF  THE 

PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH 

THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA, 

A5   RATIFIED  AND  ADOPTED   BT  THE    SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK  AND 
PHILADELPHIA  IN  THE  YEAR  OF  OUR  LORD  1788; 


AND  AS   AMENDED    IN  THE  YEABa;;'^' J."^     CT     r^'^^'»f  V 

1805-1892. 

DEC  2i)  191] 


•WITH 

THE  CONSTITUTIONAL  R 


-(r  ^/e*l  SSVAV 


THE  RULES   FOR  JUDICATORIES. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

PEESBYTERIAN   BOARD   OF   PUBLICATION 

AND  SABBATH-SCHOOL  WORK, 

1334  CHESTNUT  STRKET. 

1896. 


In  compliance  with  current 
copyright  law,  LBS  Archival 

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replacement  volume  on  paper 

that  meets  the  ANSI  Standard 

Z39.48-1984  to  replace  the 

irreparably  deteriorated 

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1993 

^-^  TM 

(oc) 


THE 

.    FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT 

AND 

FORMS  OF   PROCESS 


PRESBYTERIAN  CHUECH  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF 
AMERICA. 


AS  AMENDED,   1805-1892. 


BOOK  I. 
OF  GOVERNMENT. 


CHAPTER    I. 

PRELIMINARY  PRINCIPLES* 

The  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of 
America,  in  presenting  to  the  Christian  public  the  system 
of  union,  and  the  form  of  government  and  discipline 
which  they  have  adopted,  have  thought  proper  to  state, 
by  way  of  introduction,  a  few  of  the  general  principles  by 
which  they  have  been  governed  in  the  formation  of  the 
])lan.  This,  it  is  hoped,  will,  in  some  measure,  prevent 
those  rash  misconstructions,    and    uncandid    reflections, 

*  Note.— This  introductory  chapter,  with  the  exception  of  the  first 
sentence,  was  first  drawn  up  by  the  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadel- 
phia, and  prefixed  to  the  Form  of  Government,  etc.,  as  published  by 
that  body  in  1788.  In  that  year,  after  arranging  the  plan  on  which 
the  Presbyterian  Church  is  now  governed,  the  Synod  was  divided 
into  four  Synods,  and  gave  place  to  the  General  Assembly  which 
met  for  the  first  time  in  1789. 


4  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

which   usually   proceed   from   an   imperfect  view  of  an> 

subject;  as  well  as  make  the  several  parts  of  the  system 

plain,  and  the  whole  perspicuous  and  fully  understood. 

They  are  unanimously  of  opinion  : 

I.  That  "God  alone  is  Lord  of  the  conscience;  and 
"  hath  left  it  free  from  the  doctrine  and  commandments  of 
"  men,  which  are  in  any  thing  contrary  to  his  word,  or 
"  beside  it  in  matters  of  faith  or  worship  :"  Therefore 
they  consider  the  rights  of  private  judgment,  in  all  mat- 
ters that  respect  religion,  as  universal  and  unalienable : 
they  do  not  even  wish  to  see  any  religious  constitution 
aided  by  the  civil  power,  further  than  may  be  necessary 
for  protection  and  security,  and,  at  the  same  time,  be 
equal  and  common  to  all  others. 

II.  That,  in  perfect  consistency  with  the  above  princi- 
ple of  common  right,  every  Christian  church,  or  union  or 
association  of  particular  churches,  is  entitled  to  declare 
the  terms  of  admission  into  its  communion,  and  the  qualifi- 
cations of  its  ministers  and  members,  as  well  as  the  whole 
system  of  its  internal  government  which  Christ  hath  ap- 
pointed :  that,  in  the  exercise  of  this  ri^ht  they  may,  not- 
withstanding, err,  in  making  the  terms  of  communion 
either  too  lax  or  too  narrow ;  yet,  even  in  this  case,  they 
do  not  infringe  upon  the  liberty,  or  the  rights  of  others, 
but  only  make  an  improper  use  of  their  own. 

III.  That  our  blessed  Saviour,  for  the  edification  of  the 
visible  church,  which  is  his  body,  hath  appointed  ofiicers. 
not  only  to  preach  the  gospel  and  administer  the  sacra- 
ments;  but  also  to  exercise  discipline,  for  the  preserva- 
tion both  of  truth  and  duty ;  and,  that  it  is  incumbent 
upon  these  officers,  and  upon  the  whole  church,  in  whose 
name  they  act,  to  censure  or  cast  out  the  erroneous  and 
scandalous  ;  observing,  in  nil  cases,  the  rules  contained  in 
the  word  of  God. 

IV.  That  truth  is  in  order  to  goodness;  and  the  great 
touchstone  of  truth,  its  tendency  to  promote  holiness 
according  to  our  Saviour's  rule,  "by  their  fruits  ye  shall 
know  them."     And   that  no  opinion  can  be  either  more 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT.  6 

pernicious  or  more  absurd,  than  that  which  brings  truth 
and  falsehood  upon  a  level,  and  represents  it  as  of  no 
consequence  what  a  man's  opinions  are.  On  the  contrary, 
they  are  persuaded  that  there  is  an  inseparable  connection 
between  faith  and  practice,  truth  and  duty.  Otherwise  it 
would  be  of  no  consequence  either  to  discover  truth,  or  to 
embrace  it. 

V.  That  while  under  the  conviction  of  the  above  prin- 
ciple, they  think  it  necessary  to  make  effectual  provision, 
that  all  who  are  admitted  as  teachers,  be  sound  in  the  faith ; 
they  also  believe  that  there  are  truths  and  forms,  with 
respect  to  which  men  of  good  characters  and  principles 
may  differ.  And  in  all  these  they  think  it  the  duty  both 
of  private  Christians  and  societies,  to  exercise  mutual 
forbearance  towards  each  other. 

VI.  That  though  the  character,  qualifications,  and 
authority  of  church  officers,  are  laid  down  in  the  holy 
Scriptures,  as  well  as  the  proper  method  of  their  investi- 
ture and  institution ;  yet  the  election  of  the  persons  to  the 
exercise  of  this  authority,  in  any  particular  society,  is  in 
that  society, 

VII.  That  all  church  power,  whether  exercised  by  the 
body  in  general,  or  in  the  way  of  representation  by  dele- 
gated authority,  is  only  ministerial  and  declarative ;  that 
is  to  say,  that  the  Holy  Scriptures  are  the  only  rule  of 
faith  and  manners;  that  no  church  judicatory  ought  to 
pretend  to  make  laws,  to  bind  the  conscience  in  virtue  of 
their  own  authority ;  and  that  all  their  decisions  should 
be  founded  upon  the  revealed  will  of  God.  Now  though 
it  will  easily  be  admitted,  that  all  synods  and  councils  may 
err,  through  the  frailty  inseparable  from  humanity;  yet 
there  is  much  greater  danger  from  the  usurped  claim  of 
making  laws,  than  from  the  right  of  judging  upon  laws 
already  made,  and  common  to  all  who  profess  the  gospel ; 
although  this  right,  as  necessitv  requires  in  the  present 
state,  be  lodged  with  fallible  men. 

VIII.  Lastly.  That,  if  the  preceding  scriptural  and 
rational    principles  be  steadfastly  adhered   to,  the  vigor 


6  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT, 

and  strictness  of  its  discipline  will  contribute  to  the  glory 
and  happiness  of  any  church.  Since  ecclesiastical  disci- 
pline must  be  purely  moral  or  spiritual  in  its  object,  and 
not  attended  with  any  civil  eflects,  it  can  derive  no  force 
whatever,  but  from  its  own  justice,  the  approbation  of  an 
impartial  public,  and  the  countenance  and  blessing  of  the 
great  Head  of  the  church  universal. 


CHAPTER  11. 

OF  THE  CHURCH. 


I.  Jesus  Christ,  who  is  now  exalted  far  above  all 
principality  and  power,**  hath  erected,  in  this  world,  a 
kingdom,  which  is  his  church.^ 

II.  The  universal  church  consists  of  all  those  persons, 
in  every  nation,  together  with  their  children,  who  make 
profession  of  the  holy  religion  of  Christ,  and  of  submis- 
sion to  his  laws.' 

HI.  As  this  immense  multitude  cannot  meet  together  in 
one  place,  to  hold  communion,  or  to  worship  God;  it  is 

«  Eph.  i.  20,  21.  When  he  raised  him  from  the  dead,  and  set  him  lU 
his  own  right  hand  in  the  heavenly  places,  far  above  all  principality, 
and  power,  and  might,  and  domiuiun.  and  every  name  that  is  named, 
not  only  in  this  world,  but  also  in  that  which  is  to  come.  Psa.  Ixviii. 
18.  Thou  hast  ascended  on  high,  thou  hast  led  captivity  captive: 
thou  hast  received  gifts  for  men  ;  yea,  for  the  rebellious  also,  that  the 
Lord  God  might  dwell  among  them. 

*  Psa.  ii.  6.  Yet  have  I  set  my  king  upon  my  holy  hill  of  Zion. 
Dan.  vii.  14.— There  was  given  bim  dominion,  and  glorj-,  and  a  king- 
dom, that  all  people,  nations,  and  languages,  sbould  serve  him ;  his 
dominion  is  an  everlasting  dominion,  which  shall  not  pass  away,  and 
his  kingdom  that  which  shall  not  be  destroyed.  Eph.  i.  22,  23.  And 
hath  put  all  things  under  his  feet,  and  gave  him  to  be  the  head  over 
all  things  to  the  church,  which  is  his  body,  the  fullness  of  him  that 
filleth  all  in  aU. 

«  Rev.  V.  9.  And  hast  redeemed  us  to  God  by  thy  blood  out  of  every 
kindred,  and  tongue,  and  people,  and  nation.  Acts  ii.  39.  For  the 
promise  is  unto  you,  and  to  your  children,  and  to  all  that  are  afar  off, 
even  as  many  as  the  Lord  our  God  shall  call.  1  Cor.  1.  2,  compared 
with  2  Cor.  ix.  13. 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT.  7 

reasonable,  and  warranted  by  Scripture  example,  that 
they  should  be  divided  into  many  particular  churches.*^ 
IV.  A  particular  church  consists  of  a  number  of  pro- 
fessing Christians,  with  their  offspring,  voluntarily  associ- 
ated together,  for  divine  worship  and  godly  living,  agree- 
ably to  the  Holy  Scriptures ;  *  and  submitting  to  a  certain 
form  of  government/ 


CHAPTER  III. 

OF  THE  OFFICERS  OF  THE  CHURCH. 

I.  Our  blessed  Lord,  at  first,  collected  his  church  out  of 
different  nations,'  and  formed  it  into  one  body,*  by  the 

"*  Gal.  i.  21,  22.  Afterwards  I  came  into  the  regions  of  Syria  and 
Cilicia :  and  was  unknown  by  face  unto  the  churches  of  Judea  which 
were  in  Christ.  Rev.  i.  4,  20.  John  to  the  seven  churches  which  are 
in  Asia:  Grace  be  unto  you,  and  peace,  from  him  which  is,  and  which 
was,  and  which  is  to  come :  and  from  the  seven  spirits  which  are 
before  his  throne.— The  mystery  of  the  seven  stars  which  thou  sawest 
in  my  right  hand,  and  the  seven  golden  candlesticks.  The  seven 
stars  are  the  angels  of  the  seven  churches  ;  and  the  seven  candlesticks 
which  thou  sawest  are  the  seven  churches.    See  also  Rev.  ii.  1. 

«  Acts  ii.  41,  47.  Then  they  that  gladly  received  his  word  were  bap- 
tized ;  and  the  same  day  there  were  added  unto  them  about  three 
thousand  souls.— Praising  God.  and  haN-ing  favor  with  all  the  people. 
And  the  Lord  added  to  the  church  daily  such  as  should  be  saved.  1 
Cor.  vii.  14.  For  the  unbelieving  husband  is  sanctified  by  the  wife, 
and  the  unbelieving  wife  is  sanctified  by  the  husband:  else  were 
your  children  unclean  ;  but  now  are  they  holy.  Acts  ii.  39.  Mark  x. 
14,  compared  with  Matt.  xix.  13,  14,  and  Luke  xviii.  15, 16. 

/  Heb.  viii.  5.  Who  serve  unto  the  example  and  shadow  of  heaven- 
ly things,  as  Moses  was  admonished  of  God  when  he  was  about,  to 
make  the  tabernacle ;  for,  See  (saith  he)  that  thou  make  aU  things 
according  to  the  pattern  showed  to  thee  in  the  mount.  Gal.  vi.  16. 
And  as  many  as  walk  according  to  this  rule,  peace  be  on  them,  and 
mercy,  and  upon  the  Israel  of  God. 

ff  Psa.  ii.  8.  Ask  of  me,  and  I  shall  give  thee  the  heathen  for  thine 
inheritance,  and  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for  thy  possession. 
Rev.  vii.  9.  After  this  I  beheld,  and,  lo,  a  great  multitude,  which  no 
man  could  number,  of  all  nations,  and  kindreds,  and  people,  and 
tongues,  stood  before  the  throne,  and  before  the  Lamb,  clothed  with 
white  robes,  and  palm.*;  in  tlieir  hands. 

*  1  Cor.  X.  17.     For  wc  being  many  arc  one  bread,  and  one  body: 


8  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

mission  of  men  endued  with  miraculous  gifts  which  have 
long  since  ceased.' 

II.  The  ordinary  and  perpetual  officers  in  the  church, 
are  Bishops  or  Pastors;-'  the  representatives  of  the  people, 
usually  styled  Ruling  Elders ;  ^  and  Deacons.* 


CHAPTER  IV. 

OF  BISHOPS  OR  PASTORS. 

The  pastoral  office  is  the  first  in  the  church,  both  for 
dignity  and  usefulness."*  The  person  who  fills  this  office, 
hath,  in  Scripture,  obtained  different  names  expressive  of 
his  various  duties.  As  he  has  the  oversight  of  the  flock 
of  Christ,  he  is  termed  bishop.*  "  As  he  feeds  them  with 
spiritual  food,  he  is  termed  pastor."    As  he  serves  Christ 


for  we  are  all  partakers  of  that  one  bread.  See  also  Eph.  iv.  16.  Col. 
i.  18. 

<  Matt.  X.  1,  8.  And  when  he  had  called  unto  him  his  twelve  disci- 
ples, he  gave  them  power  against  unclean  spirits,  to  cast  them  out, 
and  to  heal  all  manner  of  sickness  and  all  manner  of  disease,  etc. 

}'  1  Tim.  iii.  1.  If  a  man  desire  the  office  of  a  bishop,  he  desireth  a 
good  "work.  Eph.  iv.  11, 12.  And  he  gave  some,  apostles;  and  some, 
prophets  ;  and  some,  evangelists;  and  some,  pastors  and  teachers;  for 
the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of  the  ministrj-,  for  the 
edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ. 

*  1  Tim.  V.  17.  Let  the  elders  that  rule  well  be  counted  worthy  of 
double  honor. 

'Phil.  i.  1.  To  all  the  saints  in  Christ  Jesus  which  are  at  Philippi, 
with  the  bishops  and  deacons. 

"» Rom.  xi.  13. 

"  Acts  XX.  28.  Take  heed  therefore  unto  yourselves,  and  to  all  the 
flock,  over  the  which  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  made  you  overseers, 
[bishops]  to  feed  the  church  of  God,  which  he  hath  purchased  with 
his  own  blood. 

'Jer.  iii.  15.  And  I  will  give  you  pastors  according  to  mine  heart,  which 
shall  feed  you  with  knowledge  and  understanding.    1  Pet.  v.  2,  3, 4. 

*  As  the  office  and  character  of  the  gospel  minister  is  particularly 
and  fully  described  in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  under  the  title  of  bishop ; 
and  as  this  term  is  peculiarly  expressive  of  his  duty  as  an  overseer  of 
the  flock,  it  ought  not  to  be  rejected. 


F0B3I  OF  GOVERNMENT.  9 

in  his  church,  he  is  termed  minister/  As  it  is  his  duty  to 
be  grave  and  prudent,  and  an  example  of  the  flock,  and 
to  govern  well  in  the  house  and  kingdom  of  Christ,  he  is 
termed  presbyter  or  elder.'  As  he  is  the  messenger  of 
God,  he  is  termed  the  angel  of  the  church/  As  he  is  sent 
to  declare  the  will  of  God  to  sinners,  and  to  beseech  them 
t )  be  reconciled  to  God  through  Christ,  he  is  termed  am- 
bassador." And,  as  he  dispenses  the  manifold  grace  of 
(rod,  and  the  ordinances  instituted  by  Christ,  he  is  termed 
steward  of  the  mysteries  of  God.* 


CHAPTER  V. 

OF  BVLINQ  ELDERS. 


Ruling  elders  are  properly  the  representatives  of  the 
people,  chosen  by  them  for  the  purpose  of  exercising 
government  and  discipline,  in  conjunction  with  pastors  or 
ministers."  This  office  has  been  understood,  by  a  great 
part  of  the  Protestant  Reformed  Churches,  to  be  desig- 


p  1  Cor:  iv.  1.  Let  a  man  so  account  of  us,  as  of  the  ministers  of 
Christ,  and  stewards  of  the  mysteries  of  God.  2  Cor.  iii.  6.  Who  also 
hiUh  made  us  able  ministers  of  the  new  testament. 

» 1  Pet.  V.  1.  The  elders  which  are  among  you  I  exhort,  who  am 
also  an  elder,  and  a  witness  of  the  sufferings  of  Christ,  and  also  a  par- 
taker of  the  glorj'  that  shall  be  revealed.  See  also  Tit.  i.  5.  1  Tim.  v. 
1, 17, 19. 

»•  Rev.  ii.  1.  Unto  the  angel  of  the  church  of  Ephesus  write.  Rev. 
i.  20.— The  seven  stars  are  the  angels  of  the  seven  churches.  "See 
also  Rev.  iii.  1,  7.    Mai.  ii.  7. 

•  2  Cor.  V.  20.  Now  then  we  are  ambassadors  for  Christ,  as  though 
God  did  beseech  you  by  us ;  we  pray  you  in  Christ's  stead,  be  ye 
reconciled  to  God.    Eph.  vi.  20. 

'  Luke  xii.  42.  Who  then  is  that  faithful  and  wise  steward,  whom 
his  lord  shall  make  ruler  over  his  household,  to  give  them  their  por- 
tion of  meat  in  due  season  ?  1  Cor.  iv.  1,  2.— Moreover  it  is  required 
in  stewards  that  a  man  be  found  faithful. 

»  1  Tim.  V.  17.  Let  the  elders  that  rule  well  be  counted  worthy  of 
double  honor,  especially  they  who  labor  in  the  word  and  doctrine. 
Rom.  xii.  7.  8.    Acts  xv.  25. 


10  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

Eated  in  the  holy  Scriptures,  by  the  title  of  governments ; 
and  of  those  who  rule  well,  but  do  not  labor  in  the  word 
and  doctrine." 


CHAPTER  VI. 

OF  DEACONS. 


The  Scriptures  clearly  point  out  deacons  as  distinct 
officers  in  the  church,""  whose  business  it  is  t-o  take  care 
of  the  poor,  and  to  distribute  among  them  the  collections 
which  may  be  raised  for  their  use."^  To  them  also  may  be 
properly  committed  the  management  of  the  temporal 
affairs  of  the  church." 


CHAPTER  VII. 

OF  ORDINANCES  IN  A  PARTICULAR   CHURCH. 

The  ordinances  established  by  Christ,   the  head,  in  a 
particular   church,   which  is    regularly   constituted  with 


•  1  Cor.  xii.  28.  And  God  hath  set  some  in  the  church,  first  apostles ; 
•secondarily  prophets,  thirdly  teachers,  after  that  miracles,  then  gifts 
of  healings,  helps,  governments,  diversities  of  tongues.  See  letter  iu), 
p.  287. 

«-  Phil.  i.  1.    1  Tim.  iii.  8  to  15. 

*  Acts  vi.  1,  2.  And  in  those  days,  when  the  number  of  the  disciples 
was  multiplied,  there  arose  a  murmuring  of  the  Grecians  against  the 
Hebrews,  because  their  widows  were  neglected  in  the  daily  ministra- 
tion. Then  the  twelve  called  the  multitude  of  the  disciples  unto 
them,  and  said.  It  is  not  reason  that  we  should  leave  the  word  of  God, 
and  serve  tables. 

V  Acts  vi.  3,  5,  6.  Wherefore,  brethen,  look  ye  out  among  j'ou  seven 
men  of  honest  report,  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost  and  wisdom,  whom  we 


FOBM  OF  GOVERNMENT.  11 

its  proper  officers/  are  prayer."  singing  praises,*  reading,' 
expounding  and  preaching  tlie  word  of  God ;''  administer- 
ing baptism  and  the  Lord's  supper ;  ^  public  solemn  fast- 
ing and  thanksgiving/  catechizing/   making  collections 


may  appoint  over  this  business.— And  the  saying  pleased  the  *vhole 
multitude:  and  they  chose  Stephen,  a  man  full  of  faith  and  of  tlie 
Holy  Ghost,  and  Philip,  and  Prochorus,  and  Nicanor,  and  Timon,  and 
Parmenas.  and  Nicolas  a  proselyte  of  Antioch  ;  whom  they  set  before 
the  apostles :  and  when  they  had  prayed,  they  laid  their  hands  on 
them. 

*  1  Cor.  xiv.  26, 33,  40.  Let  all  things  be  done  unto  edifying.- For 
God  is  not  the  author  of  confusion,  but  of  peace,  as  in  all  churches  of 
the  saints.— Let  all  things  be  done  decently  and  in  order. 

»  Acts  vi.  4.  But  we  will  give  ourselves  continually  to  prayer,  and 
to  the  ministry  of  the  word.    1  Tim.  ii.  1. 

*  Col.  iii.  16.  Teaching  and  admonishing  one  another  in  psalms  and 
hymns  and  spiritual  songs,  singing  with  grace  in  your  hearts  to  the 
Lord.    Psa.  ix.  11.    Eph.  v.  19.    Also  Col.  iv.  6. 

<  Acts  XV.  21.    Luke  iv.  16,  17. 

<*  Titus  i.  9.  Holding  fast  the  faithful  word  as  he  hath  been  taught, 
that  he  may  be  able  by  sound  doctrine  both  to  exhort  and  convince 
the  gainsayers.  Acts  x.  42. — He  commanded  us  to  preach  unto  the 
people.  See  also  Acts  xxviii.  23.  Luke  xxiv.  47.  2  Tim.  iv.  2.  Acts 
ix.  20. 

*  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20.  Go  ye  therefore  and  teach  all  nations,  bap- 
tizing them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  .Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost;  teaching  them  to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  I  have 
commanded  you,  etc.  And  ^Lark  xvi.  15,  16.  1  Cor.  xi.  23,  24,  2>,  26 
For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which  also  I  delivered  unto  you, 
That  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  same  night  in  which  he  wa.s  betrayed,  took 
bread:  and  when  he  had  given  thanks,  he  brake  it.  and  said,  Take, 
eat ;  this  is  my  body,  which  is  broken  for  you :  this  do  in  rememorance 
of  me.  After  the  same  manner  also  he  took  the  cup.  when  he  had 
supped,  saying.  This  cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood:  this  do 
ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance  of  me.  For  as  often  as  ye 
eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  show  the  Lord's  death  till 
he  come.    Compared  with  1  Cor.  x.  16. 

/Luke  V.  35.  But  the  days  will  come,  when  the  bridegroom  shall  be 
taken  away  from  them,  and  then  shall  they  fast  in  those  days.  Psa.  1. 
14.  Offer  unto  God  thanksgiving :  and  pay  thy  vows  unto  the  Most 
High.  Phil.  iv.  6.— In  every  thing  by  prayer  and  supplication  with 
thanksgiving  let  your  requests  be  made  known  unto  God.  See  1  Tim. 
ii.  1.    Psa.  xcv.  2. 

t  Heb.  V.  12.  For  when  for  the  time  ye  ought  to  be  teachers,  ye  have 
need  that  one  teach  you  again  which  be  the  first  principles  of  the 
oracles  of  God;  and  are  become  such  as  have  need  of  miik,  and  not 
of  strong  meat. 


12  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

for  the  poor  and  other  pious  purposes  ;*  exercising  disci- 
pline;' and  blessing  the  people/ 


CHAPTER  YIII 


OF  CHURCH  GOVEENMEST,  AND    THE   SEVERAL    KINDS    OF 
JUDICATORIES. 

I.  It  is  absolutely  necessary  that  the  government  of  the 
church  be  exercised  under  some  certaii;  and  definite  form.* 
And  we  hold  it  to  be  expedient,  and  agreeable  to  Scripture 
and  the  practice  of  the  primitive  Christians,  that  the  church 
be  governed  by  congregational,  presbyterial,  and  synodicai 
assemblies.  In  full  consistency  with  this  belief,  we  em- 
brace, in  the  spirit  of  charit}^  those  Christians  who  differ 
from  us,  in  opinion,  or  in  practice,  on  these  subjects.^ 

II.  These  assemblies  ought  not  to  possess  any  civil  juris- 

*  1  Cor.  xvi.  1,  2,  3, 4.  Now  concerning  the  collection  for  the  saints,  as 
I  have  given  order  to  the  churches  of  Galatia.  even  so  do  ye.  Upon  the 
first  day  of  the  week  let  every  one  of  you  lay  by  him  in  store,  as  God 
hath  prospered  him,  that  there  be  no  gatherings  when  I  come.  And 
when  I  come,  whomsoevL-r  ye  shall  approve  by  your  letters,  them  will 
1  send  to  bring  your  liberality  unto  Jerusalem.  And  if  it  be  meet  that 
I  go  also,  they  shall  go  with  me.  Gal.  ii.  10.  Only  they  would  that  we 
should  remember  the  poor;  the  same  which  I  also  was  forward  to  do. 

'  Heb.  xiii.  17.  Obey  them  that  have  the  rule  over  you,  and  submit 
yourselves  :  for  they  watch  for  your  souls,  as  they  that  must  give  ac- 
count, that  they  may  do  it  with  joy,  and  not  with  grief:  for  that  is 
unprofitable  for  you.  1  Thess.  v.  12, 13.  And  we  beseech  you,  breth- 
ren, to  know  them  which  labor  among  you,  and  are  over  you  in  the 
Lord,  and  admonish  you ;  and  to  esteem  them  very  highly  in  love  for 
their  work's  sake.    And  be  at  peace  among  yourselves. 

>  2  Cor.  xiii.  14.  The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of 
God,  and  the  communion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  you  all.  Amen. 
Eph.  i.  2.  Grace  be  to  you,  and  puace,  from  God  our  Father  and  from 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

*  Ezek.  xliii.  11.  12.  Show  them  the  form  of  the  house,  and  the 
fashion  thereof,  and  the  goings  out  thereof,  and  the  comings  in  thereof, 
and  all  the  forms  thereof,  and  all  the  ordinances  thereof,  and  all  the 
forms  thereof,  and  all  the  laws  thereof:  and  write  it  in  their  sight, 
that  they  may  keep  the  whole  form  thereof,  and  all  the  ordinances 
thereof,  and  do  them.    This  is  the  law  of  the  house. 

'  Acts  XV.  6,  6.  But  there  rose  up  certain  of  the  sect  of  the  Phari 
Bees  which  believed,  saying,  That  it  was  needful  to  circumcise  them 


FOEM  OF  GOVERNMENT.  13 

diction,  nor  to  inflict  any  civil  penalties.""  Their  powei 
is  wholly  moral  or  spiritual,  and  that  only  ministerial 
and  declarative."  They  possess  the  right  of  requiring 
obedience  to  the  laws  of  Christ ;  and  of  excluding  the 
disobedient  and  disorderly  from  the  privileges  of  the 
church.  To  give  efficiency,  however,  to  this  necessary 
and  scriptural  authority,  they  possess  the  powers  requi- 
site for  obtaining  evidence  and  inflicting  censure.  They 
can  call  before  them  any  offender  against  the  order  and 
government  of  the  church ;  they  can  require  members  of 
their  own  society  to  appear  and  give  testimony  in  the 
cause;  but  the  highest  punishment  to  which  their  author- 
ity extends,  is  to  exclude  the  contumacious  and  impeni- 
tent from  the  congregation  of  believers.** 


CHAPTEE  IX. 

OF  THE  CHURCH  SESSION. 

I.  The  Church  session  consists  of  the  pastor  or  pastors, 
and  ruling  elders,  of  a  particular  congregation.^ 

and  to  command  them  to  keep  the  law  of  Moses.  And  the  apostles 
and  elders  came  together  for  to  consider  of  this  matter. 

"•  Luke  xii.  13, 14.  And  one  of  the  company  said  unto  him,  Master^ 
speak  to  my  brother,  that  he  divide  the  inheritance  with  me.  And  he 
said  unto  him,  Man,  who  made  me  a  judge  or  a  divider  over  you? 
John  xviii.  36.— My  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world. 

"  See  and  consult  Acts  xv.  from  the  1st  to  the  32d  verse. 

0  Matt,  xviii.  15, 16, 17, 18, 19,  20.  Moreover  if  thy  brother  shall  tres- 
pass against  thee,  go  and  tell  him  his  fault  between  thee  and  him 
alone :  if  he  shall  hear  thee,  thou  hast  gained  thy  brother.  But  if 
he  will  not  hear  thee,  then  take  with  thee  one  or  two  more,  that  in 
the  mouth  of  two  or  three  witnesses  every  word  may  be  established. 
And  if  he  shall  neglect  to  hear  them,  tell  it  unto  the  church  :  but  if 
he  neglect  to  hear  the  church,  let  him  be  unto  thee  as  a  heathen  man 
and  a  publican.  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  Whatsoever  ye  shall  bind  on 
earth  shall  be  bound  in  heaven ;  and  whatsoever  ye  shall  loose  on 
earth  shall  be  loosed  in  heaven.  1  Cor.  v.  4,  5.  In  the  name  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  when  ye  are  gathered  together,  and  my  spirit,  with 
the  power  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to  deliver  such  an  one  unto  Satan 
for  the  destruction  of  the  flesh,  that  the  spirit  may  be  saved  in  the  day 
of  the  Lord  Jesus. 

f  1  Cor.  v.  4.    In  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  when  ye  are 


14  FOBM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

II.  Of  this  judicatory,  two  elders,  if  there  be  as  many 
in  the  congregation,  with  the  pastor,  shall  be  necessary  to 
constitute  a  quorum. 

III.  The  pastor  of  the  congregation  shall  always  be 
the  moderator  of  the  session ;  except  when,  for  prudential 
reasons,  it  may  appear  advisable  that  some  other  minister 
should  be  invited  to  preside;  in  which  case  the  pastor 
may,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  session,  invite  such 
other  minister  as  they  may  see  meet,  belonging  to  the 
same  presbytery,  to  preside  in  that  case.  The  same  expe- 
dient may  be  adopted  in  case  of  the  sickness  or  absence 
of  the  pastor. 

IV.  It  is  expedient,  at  every  meeting  of  the  session, 
more  especially  when  constituted  for  judicial  business, 
that  there  be  a  presiding  minister.  "When,  therefore,  a 
church  is  without  a  pastor,  the  moderator  of  the  session 
shall  be,  either  the  minister  appointed  for  that  purpose 
by  the  presbytery,  or  one  invited  by  the  session  to  preside 
on  a  particular  occasion.  But  where  it  is  impracticable, 
without  great  inconvenience,  to  procure  the  attendance, 
of.  such  a  moderator,  the  session  may  proceed  without  it. 

V.  In  congregations  where  there  are  two  or  more  pas- 
tors, they  shall,  when  present,  alternately  preside  in  the 
session. 

VI.  The  Church  session  is  charged  with  maintaining 
the  spiritual  government  of  the  congregation  ; '  for  which 
purpose,  they  have  power  to  inquire  into  the  knowledge 
and  Christian  conduct  of  the  members  of  the  church;' 
to  call  before  them  oflfenders  and  witnesses,  being  mem- 
bers of  their  own  congregation,  and  to  introduce  other 
witnesses,  where  it  may  be  necessary  to  bring  the  process 
to  issue,  and  when  they  can  be  procured  to  attend ;  to  re- 

?athered  together,  and  my  spirit,  with  the  power  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ. 

9  Heb.  xiii.  17.  Obey  them  that  have  the  rule  over  you,  and  sub- 
mit yourselves :  for  they  watch  for  your  souls,  as  they  that  must  give 
account,  that  they  may  do  it  with  joy,  and  not  with  grief.  1  Thess.  ?. 
12, 13,  and  1  Tim.  v.  17. 

^  Ezek.  xxxiv.  4, 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT.  ]o 

ceive  members  into  the  church ;  to  admonish,  to  rebuke, 
to  suspend,  or  exclude  from  the  sacraments,  those  who  are 
found  to  deserve  censure  ;'  to  concert  the  best  measures  for 
promoting  the  spiritual  interests  of  the  congregation  ;  and  to 
appoint  delegates  to  the  higher  judicatories  of  the  church/ 

VII.  The  pastor  has  power  to  convene  the  session  when 
he  may  judge  it  requisite;"  and  he  shall  always  convene 
them  when  requested  to  do  so  by  any  two  of  the  elders. 
The  session  shall  also  convene  when  directed  so  to  do 
by  the  presbytery. 

VIII.  Every  session  shall  keep  a  fair  record  of  its  pro- 
ceedings; which  record  shall  be,  at  least  once  in  every 
year,  submitted  to  the  inspection  of  the  presbytery. 

IX.  It  is  important  that  every  church  session  keep  a 
fair  register  of  marriages;  of  baptisms,  with  the  times 
of  the  birth  of  the  individuals  baptized ;  of  persons  ad- 
mitted to  the  Lord's  table,  and  of  the  deaths,  and  other 
removals  of  church  members. 


CHAPTER  X. 

OF  THE  PRESBYTERY. 


I.  The  Church  being  divided  into  many  separate  con- 
gregations, these  need  mutual  counsel  and  assistance,  in 
order  to  preserve  soundness  of  doctrine,  and  regularity 
of  discipline,  and  to  enter  into  common  measures  for  pro- 
moting knowledge  and  religion,  and  for  preventing  infi- 

•  1  Thess.  v.  12,  13.  And  we  beseech  you,  brethren,  to  know  them 
which  labor  among  you,  and  are  over  you  in  the  Lord,  and  admon- 
ish you ;  and  to  esteem  them  very  highly  in  love  for  their  work's 
sake.  And  be  at  peace  among  yourselves.  See  also  2  Thess.  iii.  6, 14, 
15.    1  Cor.  xi.  27  to  the  end. 

*  Acts  XV.  2,  6.  When  therefore  Paul  and  Barnabas  had  no  small 
dissension  and  disputation  with  them,  they  determined  that  Paul  and 
Barnabas,  and  certain  other  of  them,  should  go  up  to  Jerusalem  unto 
the  apostles  and  elders  about  this  question.— And  the  apostles  and 
elders  came  together  for  to  consider  of  this  matter. 

"  Acts  XX,  17. 


16  FORM  OF  G OVERS MENT. 

delity,  error,  and  immorality."    Hence  arise  the  importance 
and  usefulness  of  presbyterial  and  synodical  assemblies."' 

II.  A  presbytery  consists  of  all  the  ministers,  in  num- 
Der  not  less  than  five,  and  one  ruling  elder  from  each 
congregation,  within  a  certain  district. 

III.  Every  congregation,  which  has  a  stated  pastor,  has 
a  right  to  be  represented  by  one  elder ;  and  every  colle- 
giate church  by  two  or  more  elders,  in  proportion  to  the 
number  of  its  pastors. 

IV.  Where  two  or  more  congregations  are  united  under 
one  pastor,  all  such  congregations  shall  have  but  one  elder 
to  represent  them. 

V.  Every'  vacant  congregation,  which  is  regularly  or- 
ganized, shall  be  entitled  to  be  represented  by  a  ruling 
elder  in  presbytery. 

VI.  Every  elder  not  known  to  the  presbytery,  shall 
produce  a  certificate  of  his  regular  appointment  from 
the  church  which  he  represents.* 

VII.  Any  three  ministers,  and  as  many  elders  as  may 
be  present  belonging  to  the  presbytery,  being  met  at  the 
time  and  place  appointed,  shall  be  a  quorum  competent 
to  proceed  to  business." 

»  The  church  of  Jerusalem  consisted  of  more  than  one.  as  is  mani. 
fest  both  before  and  after  the  dispersion.  from'Acts  vi.  1,  6.  Acts  ix.  31. 
Acts  xxi.  20.  Acts  ii.  41,  46,  47,  and  iv.  4.  These  congregations  were 
under  one  presbyterial  government,  proved  from  Acts  xv.  4.  Acts  xi. 
22,30.  Acts  xxi.  17, 18.  Acts  vi.  That  the  church  of  Ephesus  had  more 
congregations  than  one,  under  a  presbyterial  government,  appears 
from  Acts  xix.  18, 19,  20.  1  Cor.  xvi.  8,  9,  19,  compared  with  Acts  xviii. 
19,  24,  26.    Acts  XX.  17,  18,  25,  28,  30,  31,  36,  37.     Rev.  ii.  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6. 

»  1  Tim.  iv.  14.  Neglect  not  the  gift  that  is  in  thee,  which  was  given 
thee  by  prophecy,  with  the  laying  on  of  the  hands  of  the  presbytery. 
Acts  XV.  2,  3,  4,  6,  22.— And  when  they  were  come  to  Jerusalem,  they 
were  received  of  the  church,  and  of  the  apostles  and  elders,  and  they 
declared  all  things  that  God  had  done  with  them.— And  the  apostles 
and  elders  came  together  for  to  consider  of  this  matter. 

«  Acts  XV.  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6.  1  Cor.  xiv.  20,  33,  40.— Let  all  things  be  done 
unto  edifying ;— for  God  is  not  the  author  of  confusion,  but  of  peace, 
as  in  all  churches  of  the  saints.— Let  all  things  be  done  decently  and 
in  order. 

*  Acts  xiv.  26,  27.  And  thence  sailed  to  Antioch,  from  whence  they 
had  been  recommended  to  the  grace  of  God  for  the  work  which  they 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT.  17 

VIII.  The  presbytery  has  power  to  receive  and  issue 
appeals  from  church  sessions -^  and  references  brought 
before  them  in  an  orderly  manner;"  to  examine  and 
license  candidates  for  the  holy  ministry;*  to  ordain, 
install,  remove,  and  judge  ministers;''  to  examine  and 
approve  or  censure  the  records  of  the  church  sessions ; 
to  resolve  questions  of  doctrine  or  discipline  seriously 
and  reasonably  proposed ;  **  to  condemn  erroneous  opin- 
ions which  injure  the  purity  or  peace  of  the  church;* 

fulfilled.  And  when  they  were  come,  and  had  gathered  the  church 
together,  they  rehearsed  all  that  God  had  done  with  them,  aud  how 
he  had  opened  the  door  of  faith  unto  the  Gentiles.  Compared  with 
Acts  xi.  18.  When  they  heard  these  things,  they  held  their  peace, 
and  glorified  God,  saying,  Then  hath  God  also  to  the  Gentiles  granted 
repentance  unto  life. 

«  Acts  XV.  5,  6, 19,  20.  But  there  rose  up  certain  of  the  sect  of  the 
Pharisees  which  believed,  sajring,  That  it  was  needful  to  circumcise 
them,  and  to  command  them  to  keep  the  law  of  Moses.  And  the  apos- 
tles and  elders  came  together  for  to  consider  of  this  matter.— Where- 
fore my  sentence  is,  that  we  trouble  not  them,  which  from  among 
the  Gentiles  are  turned  to  (rod:  but  that  we  write  unto  them,  that 
they  abstain  from  pollutions  of  idols,  and  from  fornication,  and 
from  things  strangled,  and  from  blood. 

•  Acts  xviii.  24,  27.  And  a  certain  Jew  named  Apollos,  born  at  Alex- 
andria, an  eloquent  man,  and  mighty  in  the  Scriptures,  came  to  Ephe- 
BU3. — And  when  he  was  disposed  to  pass  into  Achaia,  the  brethren 
wrote,  exhorting  the  disciples  to  receive  him.  Compared  with  Acts 
xix.  I,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7. 

•  1  Tim.  iv.  14.  Neglect  not  the  gift  that  is  in  thee,  which  was  given 
thee  by  prophecy,  with  the  laying  on  of  the  hands  of  the  presbyterj-. 
Acts  xiii.  2,  3.  As  they  ministered  to  the  Lord,  and  fasted,  the  Holy 
Ghost  said.  Separate  me  Barnabas  and  Saul  for  the  work  whereunto 
I  have  called  them.  And  when  they  had  fasted  and  prayed,  and  laid 
their  hands  on  them,  they  sent  them  away. 

« Acts  XV.  28.  For  it  seemed  good  to  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  to  us,  to 
lay  upon  you  no  greater  burden  than  these  necessary  things.  1  Cbr. 
V.  3. 

<*  Acts  XV.  10.  Now  therefore  why  tempt  ye  God,  to  put  a  yoke  upon 
the  neck  of  the  disciples,  which  neither  ovir  fathers  nor  we  were  able 
to  bear  ?    Compared  with  Gal.  ii.  4,  5. 

•  Acts  XV.  22, 23, 24.  Then  pleased  it  the  apostles  and  elders,  with  the 
whole  church,  to  send  chosen  men  of  their  own  company  to  Antioch 
with  Paul  and  Barnabas;  namely,  Judas  sursamed  Barsabas,  and 
Silas,  chief  men  among  the  brethren:  and  they  wrote  letters  by 
them  after  this  manner ;  The  apostles  and  elders  and  brethren  send 
greeting  unto  the  brethren  which  are  of  the  Gentiles  in  Antioch  and 

2 


18  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

to  visit  particular  churches,  for  the  purpose  of  inquiring 
into  their  state,  and  redressing  the  evils  that  may  have 
arisen  in  them  •/  to  unite  or  divide  congregations,  at  the 
request  of  the  people,  or  to  form  or  receive  new  congre- 
gations, and  in  general  to  order  whatever  pertains  to  the 
spiritual  welfare  of  the  churches  under  their  care.* 

IX.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  presbytery  to  keep  a 
full  and  fair  record  of  their  proceedings,  and  to  report  to 
the  synod,  every  year,  licensures,  ordinations,  the  receiv- 
ing or  dismissing  of  members,  the  removal  of  members 
by  death,  the  union  or  division  of  congregations,  or  the 
formation  of  new  ones,  and  in  general,  all  the  important 
changes  which  may  have  taken  place  within  their  bounds 
in  the  course  of  the  year. 

X.  The  presbytery  shall  meet  on  its  own  adjournment ; 
and  when  any  emergency  shall  require  a  meeting  sooner 
than  the  time  to  which  it  stands  adjourned,  the  modera- 
tor, or,  in  case  of  his  absence,  death,  or  inability  to  act, 
the  stated  clerk,  shall,  with  the  concurrence,  or  at  the  re- 
quest of  two  ministers  and  two  elders,  the  elders  being  of 
different  congregations,  call  a  special  meeting.  For  this 
purpose  he  shall  send  a  circular  letter,  specifying  the 
particular  business  of  the  intended  meeting,  to  every 
minister  belonging  to  the  presbytery,  and  to  the  session 
of  every  vacant  congregation,  in  due  time  previous  to 
the  meeting ;  which  shall  not  be  less  than  ten  days.     And 

Syria  and  Cilicia:  forasmuch  as  we  have  heard,  that  certain  which 
went  out  from  us  have  troubled  you  with  words,  subverting  your 
souls,  saying,  Ye  must  be  circumcised,  and  keep  the  law ;  to  whom 
we  gave  no  such  commandment. 

f  Acts  XX.  17.  And  from  Miletus  he  sent  to  Ephesus,  and  called  the 
elders  of  the  church.  Acts  vi.  2.  Then  the  twelve  called  the  multi- 
tude of  the  disciples  unto  them,  and  said.  It  is  not  reason  that  we 
should  leave  the  word  of  God,  and  serve  tables.  Acts  xv.  30.  So  when 
they  were  dismissed,  they  came  to  Antioch  ;  and  when  they  had  gath- 
ered the  multitude  together,  they  delivered  the  epistle. 

«  Eph.  vi.  18.  Praying  always  with  all  prayer  and  supplication  in 
the  Spirit,- and  watching  thereunto  with  all  perseverance  and  suppli- 
cation for  all  saints.— Phil.  iv.  6.  Be  careful  for  nothing;  but  in  every 
thing  by  prayer  and  supplication  with  thanksgiving  let  your  requesta 
be  made  known  unto  God. 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT.  19 

nothing  shall  be  transacted  at  such  special  meeting  besides 
the  particular  business  for  which  the  judicatory  has  been 
thus  convened. 

XI.  At  every  meeting  of  presbytery,  a  sermon  shall  be 
delivered,  if  convenient;  and  every  particular  session 
shall  be  opened  and  closed  with  prayer. 

XII.  Ministers  in  good  standing  in  other  presbyteries, 
or  in  any  sister  churches,  who  may  happen  to  be  present, 
may  be  invited  to  sit  with  the  presbytery,  as  correspond- 
ing members.  Such  members  shall  be  entitled  to  delib- 
erate and  advise,  but  not  to  vote  in  any  decisions  of  the 
presbytery. 


CHAPTER  XI 

OF  THE  SYNOD* 


I.  As  a  presbytery  is  a  convention  of  the  bishops  and 
elders  within  a  certain  district;  so  a  synod  is  a  conven- 
tion of  the  bishops  and  elders  within  a  larger  district, 
including  at  least  three  presbyteries.  The  synod  may  be 
composed,  at  its  own  option,  with  the  consent  of  a  major- 
ity of  its  presbyteries,  either  of  all  the  bishops  and  an 
elder  from  each  congregation  in  its  district,  with  the  same 
modifications  as  in  the  presbytery,  or  of  equal  delegations 
of  bishops  and  elders,  elected  by  the  presbyteries  on  a 
basis  and  in  a  ratio  determined  in  like  manner  by  the 
synod  itself  and  its  presbyteries. 

II.  Any  seven  ministers,  belonging  to  the  synod,  who 
shall  convene  at  the  time  and  place  of  meeting,  with  as 
many  elders  as  may  be  present,  shall  be  a  quorum  to  trans- 
act synodical  business ;  provided  not  more  than  three  of 
the  said  ministers  belong  to  one  presbytery. 

*  As  the  proofs  already  adduced  in  favor  of  a  presbyterial  assembly 
In  the  government  of  the  church,  are  equally  valid  in  support  of  a 
synodical  assembly,  it  is  unnecessary  to  repeat  the  scriptures  to  which 
reference  has  been  made  under  Chap.  X.,  or  to  add  any  other. 


20  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

III.  The  same  rule,  as  to  corresponding  members,  which 
was  laid  down  with  respect  to  the  presbytery,  shall  apply 
to  the  synod. 

IV.  The  synod  has  power  to  receive  and  issue  all  ap- 
peals regularly  brought  up  from  the  presbyteries,  provided, 
that  in  the  trial  of  judicial  cases  the  synod  shall  have 
power  to  act  by  commission,  in  accordance  with  the  pro- 
visions on  the  subject  of  judicial  commissions  in  the  Book 
of  Discipline ;  to  decide  on  all  references  made  to  them ;  its 
decisions  on  appeals,  complaints,  and  references,  which 
do  not  afiect  the  doctrine  or  constitution  of  the  church, 
being  final;  to  review  the  records  of  presbyteries,  and 
approve  or  censure  them ;  to  redress  whatever  has  been 
done  by  presbyteries  contrary  to  order ;  to  take  effectual 
care  that  presbyteries  observe  the  constitution  of  the 
church;  to  erect  new  presbyteries,  and  unite  or  divide 
those  which  w^ere  before  erected;  generally  to  take  such 
order  with  respect  to  the  presbyteries,  sessions,  and  peo- 
ple under  their  care,  as  may  be  in  conformity  with  the 
word  of  God  and  the  established  rules,  and  which  tend 
to  promote  the  edification  of  the  church  ;  and,  finally,  to 
propose  to  the  General  Assembly,  for  their  adoption,  such 
measures  as  may  be  of  common  advantage  to  the  whole 
church. 

Y.  The  synod  shall  convene  at  least  once  in  each  year; 
at  the  opening  of  which  a  sermon  shall  be  delivered  by 
the  moderator,  or,  in  case  of  his  absence,  by  some  other 
member ;  and  every  particular  session  shall  be  opened 
and  closed  with  prayer, 

VI.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  synod  to  keep  full  and 
fair  records  of  its  proceedings,  to  submit  them  annually 
to  the  inspection  of  the  General  Assembly,  and  to  report 
to  the  Assembly  the  number  of  its  presbyteries,  and  of 
the  members  and  alterations  of  the  presbyteries. 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT.  21 

CHAPTER  XII. 

OF  THE  OENERAL  ASSEMBLY* 

I.  The  General  Assembly  is  the  highest  judicatory 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  It  shall  represent,  in  one 
body,  all  the  particular  churches  of  this  denomination ; 
and  shall  bear  the  title  of  The  General  Assembly  of 

THE    PrESBYTEEIAN    ChUECH    IN    THE    UNITED    STATES 

OF  Ameeica. 

II.  The  General  Assembly  shall  consist  of  an  equal 
delegation  of  bishops  and  elders  from  each  presbytery, 
in  the  following  proportion ;  viz :  each  presbytery  con- 
sisting of  not  more  than  twenty-four  ministers,  shall 
send  one  minister  and  one  elder;  and  each  presbytery 
consisting  of  more  than  twenty-four  ministers,  shall  send 
one  minister  and  one  elder  for  each  additional  twenty- 
four  ministers,  or  for  each  additional  fractional  number 
of  ministers  not  less  than  twelve ;  and  these  delegates,  so 
appointed,  shall  be  styled,  Commissioners  to  the  General 
Assembly. 

III.  Any  fourteen  or  more  of  these  commissioners,  one 
half  of  whom  shall  be  ministers,  being  met  on  the  day, 
and  at  the  place  appointed,  shall  be  a  quorum  for  the 
transaction  of  business. 

lY.  The  General  Assembly  shall  receive  and  issue  all 
appeals,  complaints,  and  references  that  aflfect  the  doc- 

*  The  radical  principles  of  Presbyterian  church  government  and 
discipline  are  : — That  the  several  different  congregations  of  believers, 
taken  collectively,  constitute  one  church  of  Christ,  called  emphatically 
the  Church ;— that  a  larger  part  of  the  church,  or  a  representation  of  it, 
should  govern  a  smaller,  or  determine  matters  of  controversy  which 
arise  therein;— that,  in  like  manner,  a  representation  of  the  whole 
should  gtn-ern  and  determine  in  regard  to  every  part,  and  to  all  the 
parts  united  :  that  is,  that  a  majority  shall  govern  :  and  consequently 
that  appeals  may  be  carried  from  lower  to  higher  judicatories,  till 
they  be  finally  decided  by  the  collected  wisdom  and  united  voice  of 
the  whole  church.  For  these  principles  and  this  procedure,  the  ex- 
ample of  the  apostles,  and  the  practice  of  the  primitive  church,  are 
considered  as  authority.  See  Acts  xv.  1-29;  xvi.  4,  and  the  proofs  ad- 
duced under  the  last  three  chapters. 


'22  FOBM   OF  GOVERNMENT. 

trine  or  constitution  of  the  Church,  which  may  be  regu- 
larly brought  before  them  from  the  inferior  judicatories  ; 
provided,  that  in  the  trial  of  judicial  cases  the  General 
Assembly  shall  have  power  to  act  by  commission,  in 
accordance  with  the  provisions  on  the  subject  of  judi- 
cial commissions  in  the  Book  of  Discipline.  They  sliall 
review  the  records  of  every  synod,  and  approve  or  cen- 
sure them :  they  shall  give  their  advice  and  instruction  in 
all  cases  submitted  to  them  in  conformity  with  the  consti- 
tution of  the  Church ;  and  they  shall  constitute  the  bond 
of  union,  peace,  correspondence,  and  mutual  confidence, 
among  all  our  churches. 

Y.  To  the  General  Assembly  also  belongs  the  power 
of  deciding  in  all  controversies  respecting  doctrine  and 
discipline;  of  reproving,  warning,  or  bearing  testimony 
against  error  in  doctrine,  or  immorality  in  practice,  in 
any  church,  presbytery,  or  synod ;  of  erecting  new  synods 
when  it  may  be  judged  necessary;  of  superintending  the 
concerns  of  the  whole  Church;  of  corresponding  with 
foreign  churches,  on  such  terms  as  may  be  agreed  upon 
by  the  Assembly  and  the  corresponding  body;  of  sup- 
pressing schismatical  contentions  and  disputations;  and, 
in  general,  of  recommending  and  attempting  reforma- 
tion, of  manners,  and  the  promotion  of  charity,  truth, 
and  holiness,  through  all  the  churches  under  their  care. 

VI.  Before  any  overtures  or  enactments  proposed  by  the 
Assembly  to  be  established  as  rules  regulative  of  the  con- 
stitutional powers  of  Presbyteries  and  Synods,  shall  be  ob- 
ligatory upon  the  Church,  it  shall  be  necessary  to  transmit 
them  to  all  the  Presbyteries,  and  to  receive  the  returns  of 
at  least  a  majority  of  them,  in  writing,  approving  thereof, 
and  such  rules,  when  approved,  shall  be  appended  to  the 
Constitution  of  the  Church. 

YII.  The  General  Assembly  shall  meet  at  least  once  in 
every  year.  On  the  day  appointed  for  that  purpose,  the 
moderator  of  the  last  Assembly,  if  present,  or  in  case  of 
his  absence,  some  other  minister,  shall  open  the  meet- 
ing with  a  sermon,  and  preside  until  a  new  moderator  be 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT.  2S 

chosen.  No  commissioner  shall  have  a  right  to  deliber- 
ate or  vote  in  the  Assembly,  until  his  name  shall  have 
been  enrolled  by  the  clerk,  and  his  commission  exam- 
ined, and  filed  among  the  papers  of  the  Assembly. 

VIII.  Each  session  of  the  Assembly  shall  be  opened 
and  closed  with  prayer.  And  the  whole  business  of  the 
Assembly  being  finished,  and  the  vote  taken  for  dissolv- 
ing the  present  Assembly,  the  moderator  shall  say  from 
the  chair, — "  By  virtue  of  the  authority  delegated  to  me, 
"by  the  church,  let  this  General  Assembly  be  dissolved, 
*'  and  I  do  hereby  dissolve  it,  and  require  another  General 
"  Assembly,  chosen  in  the  same  manner,  to  meet  at 
*'  on  the        day  of  A.  D.  "—after  which  he  shall 

pray  and  return  thanks,  and  pronounce  on  those  present 
the  apostolic  benediction. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

OF  ELECTING  AND  ORDAINING  RULING  ELDERS  AND 
DEACONS. 

I.  Having  defined  the  officers  of  the  church,  and  the 
judicatories  by  which  it  shall  be  governed,  it  is  proper  here 
to  prescribe  the  mode  in  which  ecclesiastical  rulers  should 
be  ordained  to  their  respective  offices,  as  well  as  some  of 
the  principles  by  which  they  shall  be  regulated  in  dis- 
charging their  several  duties. 

II.  Every  congregation  shall  elect  persons  to  the  office 
of  ruling  elder,  and  to  the  office  of  deacon,  or  either  of 
them,  in  the  mode  most  approved  and  in  use  in  that  con- 
gregation.* But  in  all  cases  the  persons  elected  must  be 
male  members  in  full  communion  in  the  church  in  which 
they  are  to  exercise  their  office. 

III.  When  any  person  shall  have  been  elected  to  either 
of  these  offices,  and  shall  have  declared  his  willingness 
to  accept  thereof,  he  shall  be  set  apajt  in  the  following 
manner : 

*  1  Cor.  xiv.  40. 


24  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

IV.  After  sermon,  the  minister  shall  state,  in  a  concise 
manner,  the  warrant  and  nature  of  the  office  of  ruling 
elder  or  deacon,  together  with  the  character  proper  to 
be  sustained,  and  the  duties  to  be  fulfilled  by  the  officer 
elect;  having  done  this,  he  shall  propose  to  the  candidate, 
in  the  presence  of  the  congregation,  the  following  ques- 
tions : — viz, 

1.  Do  you  believe  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New 
Testaments  to  be  the  word  of  God,  the  only  infallible 
rule  of  faith  and  practice? 

2.  Do  you  sincerely  receive  and  adopt  the  confession 
of  faith  of  this  church,  as  containing  the  system  of  doc- 
trine taught  in  the  Holy  Scriptures? 

3.  Do  you  approve  of  the  government  and  discipline 
of  the  Presbyterian  church  in  these  United  States? 

4.  Do  you  accept  the  office  of  ruling  elder  (or  deacon, 
as  the  case  may  be)  in  this  congregation,  and  promise 
faithfully  to  perform  all  the  duties  thereof? 

5.  Do  you  promise  to  study  the  peace,  unity,  and  purity 
of  the  church  ? 

The  elder,  or  deacon  elect,  having  answered  these  ques- 
tions in  the  affirmative,  the  minister  shall  address  to  the 
members  of  the  church  the  following  question : — viz. 

Do  you,  the  members  of  this  church,  acknowledge  and 
receive  this  brother  as  a  ruling  elder,  (or  deacon)  and  do 
you  promise  to  yield  him  all  that  honor,  encouragement, 
and  obedience  in  the  Lord,  to  which  his  office,  according 
to  the  word  of  God,  and  the  constitution  of  this  church, 
entitles  him? 

The  members  of  the  church  having  answered  this  ques- 
tion in  the  affirmative,  by  holding  up  their  right  hands, 
the  minister  shall  proceed  to  set  apart  the  candidate,  by 
prayer,  to  the  office  of  ruling  elder,  (or  deacon,  as  the*  case 
may  be)  and  shall  give  to  him,  and  to  the  congregation, 
an  exhortation  suited  to  the  occasion. 

V.  Where  there  is  an  existing  session,  it  is  proper  that 

<  Acts  vi.  5, 6. 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT.  25 

the  members  of  that  body,  at  the  close  of  the  service,  and 
in  the  face  of  the  congregation,  take  the  newly  ordained 
elder  by  the  hand,  saying  in  words  to  this  purpose, — "  We 
"give  you  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  to  take  part  of 
"  this  office  with  us." 

VI.  The  offices  of  ruling  elder  and  deacon  are  both  per- 
petual, and  cannot  be  laid  aside  at  pleasure.  No  person 
can  be  divested  of  either  office  but  by  deposition.  Yet 
an  elder  or  deacon  may  become,  by  age  or  infirmity, 
incapable  of  performing  the  duties  of  his  office;  or  he 
may,  though  chargeable  with  neither  heresy  nor  immor- 
ality, become  unacceptable,  in  his  official  character,  to  a 
majority  of  the  congregation  to  which  he  belongs.  In 
either  of  these  cases,  he  may,  as  often  happens  with  re- 
spect to  a  minister,  cease  to  be  an  acting  elder  or  deacon. 

Vn.  Whenever  a  ruling  elder  or  deacon,  from  either 
of  these  causes,  or  from  any  other,  not  inferring  crime, 
ahaU  be  incapable  of  serving  the  church  to  edification, 
the  session  shall  take  order  on  the  subject,  and  state  the 
fact,  together  with  the  reasons  of  it,  on  their  records. 
Provided  always,  that  nothing  of  this  kind  shall  be  done 
without  the  concurrence  of  the  individual  in  question, 
unless  by  the  advice  of  presbytery. 

VIII.  If  any  particular  church,  by  a  vote  of  members 
in  full  communion,  shall  prefer  to  elect  ruling  elders  or 
deacons  for  a  limited  time  in  the  exercise  of  their  func- 
tions, this  may  be  done;  provided,  the  full  time  be  not 
less  than  three  years,  and  the  session  or  board  of  dea- 
cons be  made  to  consist  of  three  classes,  one  of  which 
only  shall  be  elected  every  year;  and  provided,  that 
elders,  once  ordained,  shall  not  be  divested  of  the  office 
when  they  are  not  re-elected,  but  shall  be  entitled  to  rep- 
resent that  particular  church  in  the  higher  judicatories, 
when  appointed  by  the  session  or  the  presbytery. 


26  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


CHAPTER    XIV. 

OF  LICENSING  CANDIDATES  OR  PROBATIONERS  TO  PREACH 
THE  GOSPEL. 

I.  The  Holy  Scriptures  require  that  some  trial  be 
previously  had  of  them  who  are  to  be  ordained  to  the 
ministry  of  the  gospel,  that  this  sacred  oflBce  may  not 
be  degraded,  by  being  committed  to  weak  or  unworthy  i 
men;-''  and  that  the  churches  may  have  an  opportunity 
to  form  a  better  judgment  respecting  the  talents  of  those 
by  whom  they  are  to  be  instructed  and  governed.  For 
this  purpose  presbyteries  shall  license  probationers  to 
preach  the  gospel,  that  after  a  competent  trial  of  their 
talents,  and  receiving  from  the  churches  a  good  report, 
they  may,  in  due  time,  ordain  them  to  the  sacred  office.* 

II.  Every  candidate  for  licensure  shall  be  taken  on  trials 
by  that  presbytery  to  which  he  most  naturally  belongs  ; 
and  he  shall  be  considered  as  most  naturally  belonging 
to  that  presbytery  within  the  bounds  of  which  he  has 
ordinarily  resided.  But  in  case  any  candidate  should 
find  it  more  convenient  to  put  himself  under  the  care 
of  a  presbytery  at  a  distance  from  that  to  which  he  most 
naturally  belongs,  he  may  be  received  by  the  said  presby- 
tery, on  his  producing  testimonials  either  from  the  pres- 
bytery within  the  bounds  of  which  he  has  commonly 
resided,  or  from  any  two  ministers  of  that  presbytery  in 
good  standing,  of  his  exemplary  piety,  and  other  requi- 
site qualifications. 

III.  It  is  proper  and  requisite  that  candidates  apply- 
ing to  the  presbytery  to  be  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel, 
produce  satisfactory  testimonials  of  their  good  moral  char- 
acter, and  of  their  being  regular  members  of  some  partic- 
ular church.  And  it  is  the  duty  of  the  presbytery,  for 
their  satisfaction  with  regard  to  the  real  piety  of  such 
candidates,  to  examine  them  respecting  their  experimen- 
tal  acquaintance  with   religion,  and  the  motives  which 

i  1  Tim.  iii.  6.    2  Tim.  ii.  2.  *  1  Tim.  iii.  7.    3  John  12. 


FOBM  OF  GOVERNMENT.  27 

influence  them  to  desire  the  sacred  office/  This  exami- 
nation shall  be  close  and  particular,  and,  in  most  cases, 
may  best  be  conducted  in  the  presence  of  the  presbytery 
only.  And  it  is  recommended  that  the  candidate  be  also 
required  to  produce  a  diploma  of  bachelor  or  master  of 
arts,  from  some  college  or  university :  or,  at  least,  authen- 
tic testimonials  of  his  having  gone  through  a  regular 
course  of  learning. 

IV.  Because  it  is  highly  reproachful  to  religion,  and 
dangerous  to  the  church,  to  intrust  the  holy  ministry  to 
weak  and  ignorant  men,"'  the  presbytery  shall  try  each 
candidate,  as  to  his  knowledge  of  the  Latin  language; 
and  the  original  languages  in  which  the  Holy  Scriptures 
were  written.  They  shall  also  examine  him  on  the  arts 
and  sciences ;  on  theology,  natural  and  revealed ;  and  on 
ecclesiastical  history,  the  sacraments,  and  church  govern- 
ment. And  in  order  to  make  trial  of  his  talents  to  explain 
and  vindicate,  and  practically  to  enforce,  the  doctrines  of 
the  gospel,  the  presbytery  shall  require  of  him, 

1.  A  Latin  exegesis  on  some  common  head  in  divinity. 

2.  A  critical  exercise ;  in  which  the  candidate  shall  give 
a  specimen  of  his  taste  and  judgment  in  sacred  criticism ; 
presenting  an  explication  of  the  original  text,  stating  its 
connection,  illustrating  its  force  and  beauties,  removing  its 
difficulties,  and  solving  any  important  questions  which  it 
may  present. 

3.  A  lecture,  or  exposition  of  several  verses  of  script- 
ure; and, 

4.  A  popular  sermon. 

V.  These,  or  other  similar  exercises,  at  the  discretion  of 
the  presbytery,  shall  be  exhibited  until  they  shall  have 
obtained  satisfaction  as  to  the  candidate's  piety,  litera- 
ture, and  aptness  to  teach  in  the  churches.**  The  lecture 
and  popular  sermon,  if  the  presbytery  think  proper,  may 
be  delivered  in  the  presence  of  a  congregation. 

» Rom.  ii.  21,  in  connection  with  ietter  (>),  page  301 

"»  See  letter  if),  and  (*),  page  304. 

«  1  Tim.  iii.  2.— Apt  to  teach.    See  also  the  foregoing  quotations. 


28  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

VI.  That  the  most  effectual  measures  may  be  taken  to 
guard  against  the  admission  of  insufficient  men  into  the 
sacred  office,"  it  is  recommended  that  no  candidate,  ex- 
cept in  extraordinary  cases,  be  licensed,  unless,  after  his 
having  completed  the  usual  course  of  academical  studies, 
he  shall  have  studied  divinity  at  least  two  years,  under 
some  approved  divine  or  professor  of  theology. 

VII.  If  the  presbytery  be  satisfied  with  his  trials,  they 
shall  then  proceed  to  license  him  in  the  following  man- 
ner: The  moderator  shall  propose  to  him  the  following 
questions :  viz. 

1.  Do  you  believe  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New- 
Testaments  to  be  the  word  oi  God,  the  only  infallible 
rule  of  faith  and  practice  ? 

2.  Do  you  sincerely  receive  and  adopt  the  confession 
of  faith  of  this  church,  as  containing  the  system  of  doc- 
trine taught  in  the  Holy  Scriptures? 

3.  Do  you  promise  to  study  the  peace,  unity,  and  purity 
of  the  church? 

4.  Do  you  promise  to  submit  yourself,  in  the  Lord,  to 
the  government  of  this  presbytery,  or  of  any  other  pres- 
bytery in  the  bounds  of  which  you  may  be  called? 

VIII.  The  candidate  having  answered  these  questions 
in  the  affirmative,  and  the  moderator  having  offered  up 
a  prayer  suitable  to  the  occasion,  he  shall  address  him- 
self to  the  candidate  to  the  following  purpose : — "  In  the 

name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  by  that  authority 
which  he  hath  given  to  the  church  for  its  edification, 
we  do  license  you  to  preach  the  gospel,  wherever  God  in 
his  providence  may  call  you :  and  for  this  purpose,  may 
the  blessing  of  God  rest  upon  you,  and  the  Spirit  oi 
Christ  fill  your  heart. — Amen!"  and  record  shall  be 
made  of  the  licensure  in  the  following  or  like  form :  viz. 
At  the  day  of  the  pres- 

bytery of  having  received  testimonials  in  favor 

of  of  his  having  gone  through  a  regular  course 

•  See  letter  (>i,  page  304. 


FOBM  OF  GOVERNMENT.  29 

of  literature ;  of  his  good  moral  character ;  and  of  his 
being  in  the  communion  of  the  church :  proceeded  to  take 
the  usual  parts  of  trial  for  his  licensure :  and  he  having 
given  satisfaction  as  to  his  accomplishments  in  literature ; 
as  to  his  experimental  acquaintance  with  religion ;  and  as 
to  his  proficiency  in  divinity  and  other  studies ;  the  pres- 
bytery did,  and  hereby  do,  express  their  approbation  of 
all  these  parts  of  trial :  and  he  having  adopted  the  confes- 
sion of  faith  of  this  church,  and  satisfactorily  answered 
the  questions  appointed  to  be  put  to  candidates  to  be 
licensed ;  the  presbytery  did,  and  hereby  do  license  him, 
the  said  to  preach  the  Gospel  of  Christ,  as 

a  probationer  for  the  holy  ministry,  within  the  bounds 
of  this  presbytery,  or  wherever  else  he  shall  be  orderly 
called. 

IX.  When  any  candidate  for  licensure  shall  have  occa- 
sion, while  his  trials  are  going  on,  to  remove  from  the 
bounds  of  his  own  presbytery  into  those  of  another,  it 
shall  be  considered  as  regular  for  the  latter  presbytery, 
on  his  producing  proper  testimonials  from  the  former,  to 
take  up  his  trials  at  the  point  at  which  they  were  left,  and 
conduct  them  to  a  conclusion,  in  the  same  manner  as  if 
they  had  been  commenced  by  themselves. 

X.  In  like  manner,  when  any  candidate,  after  licen- 
sure, shall,  by  the  permission  of  his  presbytery,  remove 
without  its  limits,  an  extract  of  the  record  of  his  licen- 
sure, accompanied  with  a  presbyterial  recommendation, 
signed  by  the  clerk,  shall  be  his  testimonials  to  the  pres- 
bytery under  whose  care  he  shall  come. 

XI.  When  a  licentiate  shall  have  been  preaching  for 
a  considerable  time,  and  his  services  do  not  appear  to 
be  edifying  to  the  churches,  the  presbytery  may,  if  they 
think  proper,  recall  his  license. 


80  FORM  OF  aOVFRNMENT. 


CHAPTER    XV. 

OF  THE  ELECTION  AND   ORDINATION  OF  BISHOPS  OR  FAS- 
TORS,  AND  EVANGELISTS. 

I.  Wheist  any  probationer  shall  have  preached  so  much 
to  the  satisfaction  of  any  congregation,  as  that  the  people 
appear  prepared  to  elect  a  pastor,  the  session  shall  take 
measures  to  convene  them  for  this  purpose :  and  it  shall 
always  be  a  duty  of  the  session  to  convene  them,  when  a 
majority  of  the  persons  entitled  to  vote  in  the  case,  shall, 
i)y  a  petition,  request  that  a  meeting  may  be  called. 

II.  When  such  a  meeting  is  intended,  the  session  shall 
solicit  the  presence  and  counsel  of  some  neighboring 
minister  to  assist  them  in  conducting  the  election  con- 
templated, unless  highly  inconvenient  on  account  of 
distance;  in  which  case  they  may  proceed  without  such 
assistance. 

III.  On  a  Lord's-day,  immediately  after  public  wor- 
ship, it  shall  be  intimated  from  the  pulpit,  that  all  the 
members  of  that  congregation  are  requested  to  meet  on 

ensuing,  at  the  church,  or  usual  place  for 
holding  public  worship ;  then  and  there,  if  it  be  agree- 
able to  them,  to  proceed  to  the  election  of  a  pastor  for 
that  congregation. 

TV.  On  the  day  appointed,  the  minister  invited  to  pre- 
side, if  he  be  present,  shall,  if  it  be  deemed  expedient, 
preach  a  sermon ;  and  after  sermon  he  shall  announce  to 
the  people,  that  he  will  immediately  proceed  to  take  the 
votes  of  the  electors  of  that  congregation,  for  a  pastor, 
if  such  be  their  desire :  and  when  this  desire  shall  be  ex- 
pressed by  a  majority  of  voices,  he  shall  then  proceed  to 
take  votes  accordingly.  In  this  election,  no  person  shall 
be  entitled  to  vote  who  refuses  to  submit  to  the  censures 
of  the  church,  regularly  administered;  or  who  does  not 
contribute  his  just  proportion,  according  to  his  own  en- 
gagements, or  the  rules  of  that  congregation,  to  all  its 
necessary  expens^.       ^      '  "  ^^^~^ 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT.  31 

V.  When  the  votes  are  taken,  if  it  appear  that  a  large 
minority  of  the  people  are  averse  from  the  candidate  who 
has  a  majority  of  votes,  and  cannot  be  induced  to  concur 
in  the  call,  the  presiding  minister  shall  endeavor  to  dis- 
suade the  congregation  from  prosecuting  it  further.  But 
if  the  people  be  nearly,  or  entirely,  unanimous;  or  if  the 
majority  shall  insist  upon  their  right  to  call  a  pastor,  th:' 
presiding  minister,  in  that  case,  after  using  his  utmost  en- 
deavors to  persuade  the  congregation  to  unanimity,  shall 
proceed  to  draw  a  call,  in  due  form,  and  to  have  it  sub- 
scribed by  the  electors;  certifying  at  the  same  time,  in 
writing,  the  number  and  circumstances  of  those  who  do 
not  concur  in  the  call:  all  which  proceedings  shall  be 
laid  before  the  presbytery,  together  with  the  call. 

VI.  The  call  shall  be  in  the  following  or  like  form  :  viz. 
The  congregation  of  being,  on  sufficient 

grounds,  well  satisfied  of  the  ministerial  qualifications  of 
you  and  having  good  hopes,  from  our 

past  experience  of  your  labors,  that  your  ministrations  in 
the  Gospel  will  be  profitable  to  our  spiritual  interests,  do 
earnestly  call  and  desire  you  to  undertake  the  pastoral 
office  in  said  congregation;  promising  you,  in  the  dis- 
charge of  your  duty,  all  proper  support,  encouragement, 
and  obedience  in  the  Lord.  And  that  you  may  be  free 
from  worldly  cares  and  avocatioiis,  we  hereby  promise  and 
oblige  ourselves  to  pay  to  you  the  sum  of 
iu  regular  quarterly  (or  half  yearly,  or  yearly)  payments, 
during  the  time  of  your  being  and  continuing  the  regular 
pastor  of  this  church.  In  testimony  whereof,  we  have 
respectively  subscribed  our  names,  this  day  of 

A.D. 
Attested  by  A.  B.,  Moderator  of  the  meeting, 
Vn.  But  if  any  congregation  shall  choose  to  subscribe 
their  call  by  their  elders  and  deacons,  or  by  their  trustees, 
or  by  a  select  committee,  they  shall  be  at  liberty  to  do  so. 
But  it  shall,  in  such  case,  be  fully  certified  to  the  presby- 
tery, by  the  minister,  or  other  person  who  presided,  that 
the  persona  signing  have  been  appointed,  for  that  purpose, 


32  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

by  a  public  vote  of  the  congregation ;  and  that  the  call 
has  been,  in  all  other  respects,  prepared  as  above  directed. 

VIII.  When  a  call  shall  be  presented  to  any  minister 
or  candidate,  it  shall  always  be  viewed  as  a  sufficient  pe- 
tition from  the  people  for  his  installment.  The  accept- 
ance of  a  call,  by  a  minister  or  candidate,  shall  always 
be  considered  as  a  request,  on  his  part,  to  be  installed  at 
the  same  time.  And  when  a  candidate  shall  be  ordained 
in  consequence  of  a  call  from  any  congregation,  the  pres- 
bytery shall,  at  the  same  time,  if  practicable,  install  him 
pastor  of  that  congregation. 

IX.  The  call,  thus  prepared,  shall  be  presented  to  the 
presbytery,  under  whose  care  the  person  called  shall  be ; 
that,  if  the  presbytery  think  it  expedient  to  present  the 
call  to  him,  it  may  be  accordingly  presented :  and  no 
minister  or  candidate  shall  receive  a  call  but  through  the 
hands  of  the  presbytery. 

X.  If  the  call  be  to  a  licentiate  of  another  presbytery, 
in  that  case  the  commissioners  deputed  from  the  congre- 
gation to  prosecute  the  call,  shall  produce,  to  that  judica- 
tory, a  certificate  from  their  own  presbytery,  regularly 
attested  by  the  moderator  and  clerk,  that  the  call  has  been 
laid  before  them,  and  that  it  is  in  order.  If  that  pres- 
bytery present  the  call  to  their  licentiate,  and  he  be  dis- 
posed to  accept  it,  they  shall  then  dismiss  him  from  their 
jurisdiction,  and  require  him  to  repair  to  that  presbytery, 
into  the  bounds  of  which  he  is  called ;  and  there  to  sub- 
mit himself  to  the  usual  trials  preparatory  to  ordination. 

XI.  Trials  for  ordination,  especially  in  a  different  pres- 
bytery from  that  in  which  the  candidate  was  licensed,  shall 
consist  of  a  careful  examination  as  to  his  acquaintance 
with  experimental  religion ;  as  to  his  knowledge  of  phil- 
osophy, theology,  ecclesiastical  history,  the  Greek  and 
Hebrew  languages,  and  such  other  branches  of  learning 
as  to  the  presbytery  may  appear  requisite ;  and  as  to  his 
knowledge  of  the  constitution,  the  rules  and  principles 
of  the  government  and  discipline  of  the  church ;  together 
ft'ith  such  written  discourse,  or  discourses^  founded  on  the 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT.  3,*5 

word  of  God,  as  to  the  presbytery  shall  seem  proper/  The 
presbytery,  beiug  fully  satisfied  with  his  qualifications  for 
the  sacred  office,  shall  appoint  a  day  for  his  ordination, 
which  ought  to  be,  if  convenient,  in  that  church  of  which 
he  is  to  be  the  minister.  It  is  also  recommended  that  a 
fast  day  be  observed  in  the  congregation  previous  to  the 
day  of  ordination.' 

XII.  The  day  appointed  for  ordination  being  come, 
and  the  presbytery  convened,  a  member  of  the  presby- 
tery, previously  appointed  to  that  duty,  shall  preach  a 
sermon  adapted  to  the  occasion.  The  same,  or  another 
member  appointed  to  preside,  shall  afterwards  briefly  re- 
cite from  the  pulpit,  in  the  audience  of  the  people,  the 
proceedings  of  the  presbytery  preparatory  to  this  trans- 
action :  he  shall  point  out  the  nature  and  importance  of 
the  ordinance;  and  endeavor  to  impress  the  audience 
with  a  proper  sense  of  the  solemnity  of  the  transaction. 

Then,addressing  himself  to  the  candidate,  he  shall  pro- 
pose to  him  the  following  questions,  viz. : 

1.  Do  you  believe  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New 
Testaments  to  be  the  word  of  God,  the  only  infallible  rule 
of  faith  and  practice?*" 

2.  Do  you  sincerely  receive  and  adopt  the  confession 
of  faith  of  this  church,  as  containing  the  system  of  doc- 
trine taught  in  the  Holy  Scriptures?' 

3.  Do  you  approve  of  the  government  and  discipline 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  these  United  States?* 

4.  Do  you  promise  subjection  to  your  brethren  in  the 
Lord?" 

5.  Have  you  been  induced,  as  far  as  you  know  your 
own  heart,  to  seek  the  office  of  the  holy  ministry  from 
love  to  God,  and  a  sincere  desire  to  promote  his  glory  in 
the  gospel  of  his  Son?" 

6.  Do  you  promise  to  be  zealous  and  faithful  in  maiu- 

p  See  the  proofs  in  sections  1,  2  3,  4,  of  chapter  iv. 
9  Acts  xiii.  2,  3.  r  2  Tim.  iii.  16.    Epli.  ii.  20. 

•  2  Tim.  i.  13.  *  See  letter  (•)  above. 

•IPet.  V.5.  "ICor.ii.  2.    2Cor.iv.6; 

3 


34  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

taining  the  truths  of  the  gospel,  and  the  purity  and  peace 
of  the  church;  whatever  persecution  or  opposition  may 
arise  unto  you  on  that  account?"' 

7.  Do  you  engage  to  be  faithful  and  diligent  in  the 
exercise  of  all  private  and  personal  duties,  which  become 
you  as  a  Christian  and  a  minister  of  the  gospel ;  as  well 
as  in  all  relative  duties,  and  the  public  duties  of  your 
office ;  endeavoring  to  adorn  the  profession  of  the  gospel 
by  your  conversation  ;  and  walking  with  exemplary  piety 
before  the  flock  over  which  God  shall  make  you  overseer?* 

8.  Are  you  now  willing  to  take  the  charge  of  this  con- 
gregation, agreeably  to  your  declaration  at  accepting  their 
call?  And  do  you  promise  to  discharge  the  duties  of  a 
pastor  to  them,  as  God  shall  give  you  strength?' 

XIII.  The  candidate  having  answered  these  questions 
in  the  affirmative,  the  presiding  minister  shall  propose  to 
the  people  the  following  questious: — 

1.  Do  you,  the  people  of  this  congregation,  continue  to 
profess  your  readiness  to  receive 

whom  you  have  called  to  be  your  minister? 

2.  Do  you  promise  to  receive  the  word  of  truth  from 
his  mouth,  with  meekness  and  love ;  and  to  submit  to 
him  in  the  due  exercise  of  discipline?* 

3.  Do  you  promise  to  encourage  him  in  his  arduous 
labor,  and  to  assist  his  endeavors  for  your  instruction 
and  spiritual  edification?" 

4.  And  do  you  engage  to  continue  to  him,  while  he  is 
your  pastor,  that  competent  worldly  maintenance  which 
you  have  promised;  and  whatever  else  you  may  see 
needful  for  the  honor  of  religion,  and  his  comfort  among 
you  ?' 

XIV.  The  people  having  answered  these  questions  in 
the  affirmative,  by  holding  up  their  right  hands,  the  can- 
didate shall  kneel  down  in  the  most  convenient  part  of 

•  Acts  XX.  17  to  31. 

«  See  the  epistles  to  Timothy  and  Titus  throughout. 

»  1  Pet.  V.  2.  »  James  i.  21.    Heb.  xiii.  17. 

•  1  Thess.  V.  12, 13.  *  1  Cor.  ix.  7  to  15. 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT.  3o 

the  church.  Then  the  presiding  minister  shall,  by  prayer,* 
and  with  the  laying  on  of  the  hands  of  the  presbytery,** 
according  to  the  apostolic  example,  solemnly  ordain  him 
to  the  holy  office  of  the  gospel  ministry.  Prayer  being 
ended,  he  shall  rise  from  his  knees ;  and  the  minister  who 
presides  shall  first,  and  afterward  all  the  members  of  the 
presbytery  in  their  order,  take  him  by  the  right  hand,  say- 
ing, in  words  to  this  purpose,  "  We  give  you  the  right  hand 
"of  fellowship,  to  take  part  of  this  ministry  with  us."* 
After  which  the  minister  presiding,  or  some  other  ap- 
pointed for  the  purpose,  shall  give  a  solemn  charge  in 
the  name  of  God,  to  the  newly  ordained  bishop,^  and  to 
the  people,^  to  persevere  in  the  discharge  of  their  mutual 
duties ;  and  shall  then,  by  prayer,  recommend  them  both 
to  the  grace  of  God,  and  his  holy  keeping,  and  finally, 
after  singing  a  psalm,  shall  dismiss  the  congregation  with 
the  usual  blessing.  And  the  presbytery  shall  duly  record 
the  transaction. 

XV.  As  it  is  sometimes  desirable  and  important  that  & 
candidate  who  has  not  received  a  call  to  be  the  pastor  of  a 
particular  congregation,  should,  nevertheless,  be  ordained 
to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  as  an  evangelist  to 
preach  the  gospel,  administer  sealing  ordinances,  and 
organize  churches,  in  frontier  or  destitute  settlements; 
in  this  case,  the  last  of  the  preceding  questions  shall  be 
omitted,  and  the  following  used  as  a  substitute: — viz. 

Are  you  now  willing  to  undertake  the  work  of  an  evan- 
gelist ;  and  do  you  promise  to  discharge  the  duties  which 
may  be  incumbent  on  you  in  this  character,  as  God  shall 
give  you  strength? 


«  Acts  xiii.  2,  3.  <i  1  Tim.  iv.  14. 

•Gal.  ii.  9.    Acts  i.  25.  /2  Tim.  iv.  1,  2, 

9  Mark  iv.  24.    Heb.  ii.  1.    See  also  letters  (f),  (»),  and  (•),  page  312, 


36  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


CHAPTEll    XVI. 

OF   TRANSLATION,   OR   REMOVING   A    MINISTER    FROM  ONE 
CHARGE   TO  ANOTHER. 

I.  No  bishop  shall  be  translated  from  oue  church  to 
another,  nor  shall  he  receive  any  call  for  that  purpose, 
but  by  the  permission  of  the  presbytery. 

IT.  Any  church,  desiring  to  call  a  settled  minister  from 
liis  present  charge,  shall,  by  commissioners  properly  au- 
thorized, represent  to  the  presbytery  the  ground  on  which 
they  plead  his  removal.  The  presbytery,  having  maturely 
considered  their  plea,  may,  according  as  it  appears  more 
or  less  reasonable,  either  recommend  to  them  to  desist 
from  prosecuting  the  call,  or  may  order  it  to  be  delivered 
to  the  minister  to  whom  it  is  directed.  If  the  parties  be 
not  prepared  to  have  the  matter  issued  at  that  presby- 
tery, a  written  citation  shall  be  given  to  the  minister  and 
his  congregation,  to  appear  before  the  presbytery  at  their 
next  meeting.  This  citation  shall  be  read  from  the  pulpit 
in  that  church,  by  a  member  of  the  presbytery  appointed 
for  that  purpose,  immediately  after  public  worship;  so 
that  at  least  two  Sabbaths  shall  intervene  betwixt  the 
citation  and  the  meeting  of  the  presbytery  at  which  the 
cause  of  translation  is  to  be  considered.  The  presbytery 
being  met,  and  having  heard  the  parties,  shall,  upon  the 
whole  view  of  the  case,  either  continue  him  in  his  former 
charge,  or  translate  him,  as  they  shall  deem  to  be  most 
for  the  peace  and  edification  of  the  church ;  or  refer  the 
whole  affair  to  the  synod  at  their  next  meeting,  for  their 
advice  and  direction. 

III.  When  the  congregation  calling  any  settled  minis- 
ter is  within  the  limits  of  another  presbytery,  that  congre- 
gation shall  obtain  leave  from  the  presbytery  to  which 
they  belong,  to  apply  to  the  presbytery  of  which  he  is  a 
member;  and  that  presbytery,  having  cited  him  and  his 
congregation  as  before  directed,  shall  proceed  to  hear  and 
issue  the  cause.      If  they  agree  to  the  translation,  tiiey 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT.  37 

shall  release  him  from  his  present  charg-e  ;  and  having 
given  him  proper  testimonials,  shall  require  him  to  repair 
to  that  presbytery,  within  the  bounds  of  which  the  con- 
gregation calling  him  lies,  that  the  proper  steps  may  be 
taken  for  his  regular  settlement  in  that  congregation :  and 
the  presbytery  to  which  the  congregation  belongs,  having 
received  an  authenticated  certificate  of  his  release,  under 
tiie  hand  of  the  clerk  of  that  presbytery,  shall  proceed  to 
install  him  in  the  congregation,  as  soon  as  convenient. 
Provided  always,  that  no  bishop  or  pastor  shall  be  trans- 
lated without  his  own  consent  previously  obtained. 

IV.  When  any  minister  is  to  be  settled  in  a  congrega- 
tion, the  installment,  which  consists  in  constituting  a  pas- 
toral relation  between  him  and  the  people  of  that  particu- 
lar church,  may  be  performed  either  by  the  presbytery,  or 
by  a  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose,  as  may  appear 
most  expedient :  and  the  following  order  shall  be  observed 
therein : 

Y.  A  day  shall  be  appointed  for  the  installment  at  such 
time  as  may  appear  most  convenient,  and  due  notice 
thereof  given  to  the  congregation. 

VI.  When  the  presbytery,  or  committee,  shall  be  con- 
vened and  constituted,  on  the  day  appointed,  a  sermon 
>hall  be  delivered  by  some  one  of  the  members  previously 
appointed  thereto;  immediately  after  which,  the  bishop 
who  is  to  preside  shall  state  to  the  congregation  the  design 
of  their  meeting,  and  briefly  recite  the  proceedings  of  the 
presbytery  relative  thereto.  And  then,  addressing  him- 
self to  the  minister  to  be  installed,  shall  propose  to  him 
the  following  or  similar  questions : 

1.  Are  you  now  willing  to  take  the  charge  of  this  con- 
gregation, as  their  pastor,  agreeably  to  your  declaration 
at  accepting  their  call? 

2.  Do  you  conscientiously  believe  and  declare,  as  far 
as  you  know  your  own  heart,  that  in  taking  upon  you 
this  charge,  you  are  influenced  by  a  sincere  desire  to  pro- 
mote the  glory  of  God,  and  the  good  of  his  church  ? 

3.  Do  you  solemnly  promise,  that,  by  the  assistance  of 


38  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

tiie  grace  of  God,  you  will  endeavor  faithfully  to  dis- 
charge all  the  duties  of  a  pastor  to  this  congregation,  and 
will  be  careful  to  maintain  a  deportment  in  all  respects 
becoming  a  minister  of  the  gospel  of  Christ,  agreeably  to 
your  ordination  engagements? 

To  all  these  having  received  satisfactory  answers,  he 
shall  propose  to  the  people  the  same  or  like  questions  as 
those  directed  under  the  head  of  ordination ;  which,  hav- 
ing been  also  satisfactorily  answered,  by  holding  up  the 
right  hand  in  testimony  of  assent,  he  shall  solemnly  pro- 
nounce and  declare  the  said  minister  to  be  regularly  con- 
stituted the  pastor  of  that  congregation.  A  charge  shall 
then  be  given  to  both  parties,  as  directed  in  the  case  of 
ordination ;  and,  after  prayer,  and  singing  a  psalm  adapted 
to  the  transaction,  the  congregation  shall  be  dismissed  with 
the  usual  benediction. 

VII.  It  is  highly  becoming,  that,  after  the  solemnity  of 
the  installment,  the  heads  of  families  of  that  congrega- 
tion who  are  then  present,  or  at  least  the  elders,  and 
those  appointed  to  take  care  of  the  temporal  concerns  of 
that  church,  should  come  forward  to  their  pastor,  and 
give  him  their  right  hand,  in  token  of  cordial  reception 
and  affectionate  regard. 


CHAPTER    XVII. 

OF  RESIGNING  A  PASTORAL  CHARGE. 

When  any  minister  shall  labor  under  such  grievances 
in  his  congregation,  as  that  he  shall  desire  leave  to  resign 
his  pastoral  charge,  the  presbytery  shall  cite  the  congre- 
gation to  appear,  by  their  commissioners,  at  their  next 
meeting,  to  show  cause,  if  any  they  have,  why  the  pres- 
bytery should  not  accept  the  resignation.  If  the  congre- 
gation fail  to  appear,  or  if  their  reasons  for  retaining 
their  pastor  be  deemed  by  the  presbytery  insufficient,  he 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT.  39 

shall  have  leave  granted  to  resign  his  pastoral  charge,  of 
which  due  record  shall  be  made;  and  that  church  shall 
be  held  to  be  vacant,  till  supplied  again,  in  an  orderly 
manner,  with  another  minister :  and  if  any  congregation 
.shall  desire  to  be  released  from  their  pastor,  a  similar 
process,  mutatis  mutandis,  shall  be  observed. 


CHAPTER    XVIII. 

OF  MISSIONS. 

"When  vacancies  become  so  numerous  in  any  presby- 
tery that  they  cannot  be  supplied  with  the  frequent  admin- 
istration of  the  word  and  ordinances,  it  shall  be  proper  for 
such  presbytery,  or  any  vacant  congregation  within  their 
bounds,  with  the  leave  of  the  presbytery,  to  apply  to 
any  other  presbytery,  or  to  any  synod,  or  to  the  General 
Assembly,  for  such  assistance  as  they  can  afford.  And, 
when  any  presbytery  shall  send  any  of  their  ministers  or 
probationers  to  distant  vacancies,  the  missionary  shall  be 
ready  to  produce  his  credentials  to  the  presbytery  or  pres- 
byteries, through  the  bounds  of  which  he  may  pass,  or  at 
least  to  a  committee  thereof,  and  obtain  their  approba- 
tion. And  the  General  Assembly  may,  of  their  own 
knowledge,  send  missions  to  any  part  to  plant  churches, 
or  to  supply  vacancies :  and,  for  this  purpose,  may  direct 
any  presbytery  to  ordain  evangelists,  or  ministers  with- 
out relation  to  particular  churches :  provided  always,  that 
such  missions  be  made  with  the  consent  of  the  parties  ap- 
pointed; and  that  the  judicatory  sending  them,  make  the 
necessary  provision  for  their  support  and  reward  in  the 
performance  of  this  service. 


40  FORM  OF  GOVERyMENT. 

CHAPTER    XIX. 

OF  MOLERA  TORS. 

I.  It  is  equally  necessary  in  the  judicatories  of  the 
church,  as  in  other  assemblies,  that  there  should  be  a 
moderator  or  president ;  that  the  business  may  be  con- 
ducted with  order  and  despatch. 

II.  The  moderator  is  to  be  considered  as  possessing,  by 
delegation  from  the  whole  body,  all  authority  necessary 
for  the  preservation  of  order;  for  convening  and  adjourn- 
ing the  judicatory ;  and  directing  its  operations  according 
to  the  rules  of  the  church.  He  is  to  propose  to  the  judi- 
catory every  subject  of  deliberation  that  comes  before 
them.  He  may  propose  what  appears  to  him  the  most 
regular  and  speedy  way  of  bringing  any  business  to  issue. 
He  shall  prevent  the  members  from  interrupting  each 
other;  and  require  them,  in  speaking,  always  to  address 
the  chair.  He  shall  prevent  a  speaker  from  deviating 
from  the  subject ;  and  from  using  personal  reflections. 
He  shall  silence  those  who  refuse  to  obey  order.  He 
shall  prevent  members  who  attempt  to  leave  the  judica- 
tory without  leave  obtained  from  him.  He  shall,  at  a 
proper  season,  when  the  deliberations  are  ended,  put  the 
question  and  call  the  votes.  If  the  judicatory  be  equally 
divided,  he  shall  possess  the  casting  vote.  If  he  be  not 
willing  to  decide,  he  shall  put  the  question  a  second  time; 
and  if  the  judicatory  be  again  equally  divided,  and  he  de- 
cline to  give  his  vote,  the  question  shall  be  lost.  In  all 
questions  he  shall  give  a  concise  and  clear  state  of  the 
object  of  the  vote ;  and  the  vote  being  taken,  shall  then 
declare  how  the  question  is  decided.  And  he  shall  like- 
wise be  empowered,  on  any  extraordinary  emergency,  to 
convene  the  judicatory,  by  his  circular  letter,  before  the 
ordinary  time  of  meeting. 

III.  The  moderator  of  the  presbytery  shall  be  chosen 
from  year  to  year,  or  at  every  meeting  of  the  presbytery, 
as  the  presbyter}'  may  think  best.     The  moderator  of  the 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT.  41 

synod,  and  of  tlie  General  Assembly,  shall  be  chosen  at 
each  meeting  of  those  judicatories:  and  the  moderator, 
or,  in  case  of  his  absence,  another  member  appointed  for 
the  purpose,  shall  open  the  next  meeting  ^vith  a  sermon, 
and  shall  hold  the  chair  till  a  new  moderator  be  chosen. 


CHAPTER    XX. 

OF  CLERKS. 


Every  judicatory  shall  choose  a  clerk,  to  record  their 
transactions,  whose  continuance  shall  be  during  pleasure. 
It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  clerk,  besides  recording  the 
transactions,  to  preserve  the  records  carefully;  and  to 
grant  extracts  from  them,  whenever  properly  required : 
and  such  extracts,  under  the  hand  of  the  clerk,  shall  be 
considered  as  authentic  vouchers  of  the  fact  which  they 
declare,  in  any  ecclesiastical  judicatory,  and  to  every  part 
of  the  church. 


CHAPTE-R  XXI. 


OF  VACANT  CONGREGATIONS  ASSEMBLING  FOR  PUBLIC 
WORSHIP. 

Considering  the  great  importance  of  weekly  assem- 
bling the  people,  for  the  public  worship  of  God,  in  order 
thereby  to  improve  their  knowledge;  to  confirm  their 
habits  of  worship,  and  their  desire  of  the  public  ordi- 
nances; to  augment  their  reverence  for  the  most  high 
God ;  and  to  promote  the  charitable  afiections  which  unite 
men  most  firmly  in  society:  it  is  recommended,  that  every 
vacant  congregation  meet  together,  on  the  Lord's  day,  at 
one  or  more  places,  for  the  purpose  of  prayer,  singing 
praises,  and  reading  the  holy  Scriptures,  together  with 
the  works  of  such   approved  divines,  as  the  presbytery, 


42  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

within  whose  bounds  they  are,  may  recommend,  and  they 
may  be  able  to  procure ;  and  that  the  elders  or  deacons 
be  the  persons  who  shall  preside,  and  select  the  portions 
of  Scripture,  and  of  the  other  books  to  be  read ;  and  to 
see  that  the  whole  be  conducted  in  a  becoming  and  or- 
derly manner. 


CHAPTER    XXII. 

OF  COMMISSIONERS  TO   THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 

I.  The  commissioners  to  the  General  Assembly  shall 
always  be  appointed  by  the  presbytery  from  which  they 
come,  at  its  last  stated  meeting,  immediately  preceding 
the  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly;  provided,  that 
there  be  a  sufficient  interval  between  that  time  and  the 
meeting  of  the  Assembly,  for  their  commissioners  to  at- 
tend to  their  duty  in  due  season  ;  otherwise,  the  presbytery 
may  make  the  appointment  at  any  stated  meeting,  not 
more  than  seven  months  preceding  the  meeting  of  the 
Assembly.  And  as  much  as  possible  to  prevent  all  fail- 
ure in  the  representation  of  the  presbyteries,  arising  from 
unforeseen  accidents  to  those  first  appointed,  it  may  be 
expedient  for  each  presbyter}^  in  the  room  of  each  com- 
missioner, to  appoint  also  an  alternate  commissioner  to 
supply  his  place,  in  case  of  necessary  absence. 

II.  Each  commissioner,  before  his  name  shall  be  en- 
rolled as  a  member  of  the  Assembly,  shall  produce  from 
his  presbytery,  a  commission  under  the  hand  of  the  mod- 
erator and  clerk,  in  the  following,  or  like  form — viz. 

"  The  presbytery  of  being  met  at 

"  on  the  day  of  doth  hereby  appoint 

'■  bishop  of  the  congregation  of  [or 

''  ruling  elder  in  the  congregation  of  as  the  case 

'■  may  be ;"]  (to  which  the  presbytery  may,  if  they  think 
proper,  make  a  substitution  in  the  following  form)  "or  in 
*'  case  of  his  absence,  then  bishop  of  the  congre- 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT.  43 

"  gation  of  [or  ruling  elder  in  the  congre- 

"  gation  of  as  the  case  may  be :]  to  be  a  comniis- 

"  sioner,  on  behalf  of  this  presbytery,  to  the  next  General 
''Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
"  States  of  America,  to  meet  at  on  the 

"  day  of  A.  D.  or  wherever,  and  whenever 

"  the  said  Assembly  may  happen  to  sit ;  to  consult,  vote 
"  and  determine,  on  all  things  that  may  come  before  that 
"body,  according  to  the  principles  and  constitution  of 
"  this'  church,  and  the  word  of  God.  And  of  his  dili- 
"  gence  herein,  he  is  to  render  an  account  at  his  return. 
Signed  by  order  of  the  presbytery, 

Moderator, 

Clerk:' 
And  the  presbytery  shall  make  record  of  the  appoint- 
ment. 

in.  In  order,  as  far  as  possible,  to  procure  a  respectable 
and  full  delegation  to  all  our  judicatories,  it  is  proper  that 
tlie  expenses  of  ministers  and  elders  in  their  attendance  on 
these  judicatories,  be  defrayed  by  the  bodies  which  they 
respectively  represent. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

OF  AMEXB-VEXTS. 


I.  Amendments  or  alterations  of  the  Form  of  Govern- 
ment, Book  of  Discipline  and  Directory  for  Worship  may 
be  proposed  by  the  General  Assembly  to  the  Presbyteries, 
but  shall  not  be  obligatory  on  the  Church  unless  a  major- 
ity of  all  the  Presbyteries  approve  thereof  in  writing. 
■  11.  Amendments  or  alterations  of  the  Confession  of 
Faith,  and  the  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms,  may  be 
proposed  to  the  Presbyteries  by  the  General  Assembly, 
but  shall  not  be  obligatory  on  the  Church  unless  they 


44  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

shall  be  approved  in  writing  by  two-thirds  of  all  the 
Presbyteries,  and  agreed  to  and  enacted  by  the  General 
Assembly  next  ensuing,  and  the  written  votes  of  the 
Presbyteries  shall  be  returned  to  that  Assembly. 

III.  Before  any  amendments  or  alterations  of  the  Con- 
fession of  Faith,  or  the  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms, 
proposed  by  the  General  Assembly,  shall  be  transmitted 
to  the  Presbyteries,  the  General  Assembly  shall  appoint — 
to  consider  the  subject — a  committee  of  Ministers  and 
Ruling  Elders,  in  number  not  less  than  fifteen,  of  whom 
not  more  than  two  shall  be  from  any  one  Synod,  and  the 
committee  shall  report  its  recommendations  to  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  next  ensuing,  for  action. 

ly.  No  alterations  of  the  provisions  contained  in  this: 
chapter  for  amending  or  altering  the  Confession  of  Faith, 
and  the  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms,  or  of  this  fourth 
section,  shall  be  made,  unless  an  Overture  from  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  submitting  the  proposed  alterations,  shall 
be  transmitted  to  all  the  Presbyteries,  and  be  approved  in 
writing  by  two-thirds  of  their  number,  and  be  agreed  to 
and  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly. 

V.  It  shall  be  obligatory  on  the  General  Assembly  to 
transmit  to  the  Presbyteries,  for  approval  or  disapproval, 
any  Overture  respecting  amendments  or  alterations  pro- 
vided for  in  this  chapter,  which  shall  be  submitted  to  the 
same  General  Assembly  by  one-third  of  all  the  Presby- 
teries. In  such  cases  the  Overture  shall  be  formulated 
and  transmitted  by  the  General  Assembly  receiving  the 
same  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  action,  subject,  as  to  all 
subsequent  proceedings,  to  the  provisions  of  the  foregoing 
sections. 

VI.  Whenever  it  shall  appear  to  the  General  Assembly 
that  any  proposed  amendments  or  alterations  of  the  Form 
of  Government,  Book  of  Discipline  and  Directory  for 
Worship,  shall  have  received  a  majority  vote  of  all  the 
Presbyteries,  the  General  Assembly  shall  declare  such 
amendments  or  alterations  to  have  been  adopted,  and  the 
same  shall  immediately  go  into  effect. 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT.  45 

VII.  Nothing  in  this  chapter  shall  be  so  construed  as  to 
affect  the  right  of  two-thirds  of  the  Presbyteries  to  propose 
amendments  or  alterations  of  the  Confession  of  Faith,  and 
the  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms,  or  of  the  General  As- 
sembly to  agree  to  and  enact  the  same. 


BOOK  II. 
OF    DISCIPLINE. 

AS   ADOPTED,    1884-85. 


CHAPTER    I. 

OF  DISCIPLINE:  ITS  NATURE,  ENDS,  AND  SUBJECTS. 

1.  Discipline  is  the  exercise  of  that  authority,  and 
the  application  of  that  system  of  laws,  which  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  has  appointed  in  his  Church:  embracing 
the  care  and  control,  maintained  by  the  Church,  over 
its  members,  officers,  and  judicatories. 

2.  The  ends  of  Discipline  are  the  maintenance  of  the 
truth,  the  vindication  of  the  authority  and  honor  of 
Christ,  the  removal  of  offences,  the  promotion  of  the 
purity  and  edification  of  the  Church,  and  the  spiritual 
good  of  offenders.  Its  exercise,  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
secure  its  appropriate  ends,  requires  much  prudence  and 
discretion.  Judicatories,  therefore,  should  take  into  con- 
sideration all  the  circumstances  which  may  give  a  dif- 
ferent character  to  conduct,  and  render  it  more  or  less 
offensive ;  and  which  may  require  different  action,  in 
similar  cases,  at  different  times,  for  the  attainment  of 
the  same  ends. 

3.  An  offence  is  anything,  in  the  doctrine,  principles,  or 
practice  of  a  church  member,  officer, or  judicatory,  which 
is  contrary  to  the  Word  of  God ;  or  which,  if  it  be  not 
in  its  own  nature  sinful,  may  tempt  others  to  sin,  or  mar 
their  spiritual  edification. 

4.  Nothing  shall,  therefore,  be  the  object  of  judicial 
process,  which  cannot  be  proved  to  be  contrary  to-  the 

46 


DISCIPLINE.  47 

Holy  Scriptures,  or  to  the  regulations  and  practice  of 
the  Church  founded  thereon;  nor  anything  which  does 
not  involve  those  evils  which  Discipline  is  intended  to 
prevent. 

5.  All  children  born  within  the  pale  of  the  visible 
Church  are  members  of  the  Church,  are  to  be  baptized, 
are  under  the  care  of  the  Church,  and  subject  to  its  gov- 
ernment and  discipline;  and  when  they  have  arrived  at 
years  of  discretion,  they  are  bound  to  perform  all  the 
duties  of  church  members. 


CHAPTER    II. 

OF  THE  PARTIES  IN  CASES  OF  PROCESS. 

6.  Process  against  an  alleged  oflfender  shall  not  be 
commenced  unless  some  person  undertakes  to  sustain  the 
charge ;  or  unless  a  judicatory  finds  it  necessary  for  the 
ends  of  discipline  to  investigate  the  alleged  offence. 

7.  An  offence,  gross  in  itself,  may  have  been  committed 
in  such  circumstances,  that  plainly  the  offender  cannot 
be  prosecuted  to  conviction.  In  all  such  cases,  it  is  bet- 
ter to  wait  until  God,  in  his  righteous  providence,  shall 
give  further  light,  than,  by  unavailing  prosecution,  to 
weaken  the  force  of  discipline. 

8.  No  prosecution  shall  be  allowed  in  a  case  of  alleged 
personal  injury,  where  tlie  injured  party  is  the  prosecu- 
tor, unless  those  means  of  reconciliation  have  been  tried, 
which  are  required  by  our  Lord,  Matthew  xviii.  15-17 : 
"If  thy  brother  shall  trespass  against  thee,  go  and  tell 
him  his  fault  between  thee  and  him  alone :  if  he  shall 
hear  thee,  thou  hast  gained  thy  brother.  But  if  he  will 
not  hear  thee,  then  take  with  thee  one  or  two  more,  that 
in  the  mouth  of  two  or  three  witnesses  every  word  may 
be  established.  And  if  he  shall  neglect  to  hear  them, 
tell  it  unto  the  Church." 


IS  DISCIPLINE. 

9.  The  course  prescribed  by  tiie  preceding  section  shall 
not  be  required  when  the  prosecution  is  initiated  by  a 
judicatory;  but  in  all  such  cases,  and  in  every  case  of 
prosecution  by  a  private  person  other  than  the  injured 
party,  effort  should  be  made,  by  private  conference  with 
the  accused,  to  avoid,  if  possible,  the  necessity  of  actual 
process. 

10.  When  the  prosecution  is  initiated  by  a  judicatory, 
THE  Presbyterian  Church  ix  the  United  States 
OF  America  shall  be  the  prosecutor,  and  an  original 
party;  in  all  other  cases,  the  individual  prosecutor  shall 
be  an  original  party. 

11.  When  the  prosecution  is  initiated  by  a  judicatory, 
it  shall  appoint  one  or  more  of  its  own  members  a  Com- 
mittee to  conduct  the  prosecution  in  all  its  stages  in  what- 
ever judicatory,  until  the  final  issue  be  reached:  provided, 
that  any  appellate  judicatory  before  which  the  case  is  pend- 
ing shall,  if  desired  by  the  prosecuting  committee,  appoint 
one  or  more  of  its  own  members  to  assist  in  the  prose- 
cution, upon  the  nomination  of  the  prosecuting  com- 
mittee. 

12.  If  one,  who  considers  himself  slandered,  requests 
an  investigation  which  a  judicatory  finds  it  proper  to  in- 
stitute, one  or  more  of  its  members  shall  be  appointed 
to  investigate  the  alleged  slander,  and  make  report  in 
writing:  and  a  record  thereafter  made  may  conclude 
the  matter. 

13.  Great  caution  ought  to  be  exercised  in  receiving 
accusations  from  any  person  who  is  known  to  indulge  a 
malignant  spirit  toward  the  accused,  or  who  is  not  of 
good  character,  or  who  is  himself  under  censure  or  pro- 
cess, or  who  is  personally  interested  in  any  respect  ia 
the  conviction  of  the  accused,  or  who  is  known  to  be 
litigious,  rash,  or  highly  imprudent. 

14.  Any  person  who  appears  as  a  prosecutor,  without 
appointment  by  the  judicatory,  shall  be  warned  before 
the  charges  are  presented,  that,  if  he  fail  to  show  proba- 
ble cause  for  the  charges,  he  must  himself  be  censured, 


BISCIPLII^E.  40 

as  a  slanderer  of  the  brethren,  in  proportion  to  the  ma- 
lignancy or  rashness  which  may  appear  in  the  prosecu- 
tion. 


CHAPTER    III. 

OF  CHARGES  AND  SPECIFICATIONS. 

15.  The  charge  shall  set  forth  the  alleged  oflfence;  and 
the  specifications  shall  set  forth  the  facts  relied  upon  to 
sustain  the  charge.  Each  specification  shall  declare,  as 
far  as  possible,  the  time,  place,  and  circumstances,  and 
shall  be  accompanied  with  the  names  of  the  witnesses  to 
be  cited  for  its  support. 

16.  A  charge  shall  not  allege  more  than  one  offence; 
several  charges  against  the  same  person,  however,  with 
the  specifications  under  each  of  them,  may  be  presented 
to  the  judicatory  at  one  and  the  same  time,  and  may,  in 
the  discretion  of  the  judicatory,  be  tried  together.  But 
when  several  charges  are  tried  at  the  same  time,  a  vote 
on  each  charge  must  be  separately  taken. 

17.  In  all  cases  of  alleged  personal  injury,  where  the 
prosecution  is  by  the  injured  person  or  persons,  the  charge 
must  be  accompanied  by  an  averment,  that  the  course 
prescribed  by  our  Lord,  Matt,  xviii.  15-17,  has  been 
faithfully  tried. 


CHAPTER    IV. 

OF  PROCESS:   GENERAL  RULES  PERTAINING   TO  ALL  CASES. 

18.  Original  jurisdiction,  in  relation  to  Ministers, 
pertains  to  the  Presbytery;  in  relation  to  others,  to  the 
Session.  But  the  higher  judicatories  may  institute  pro- 
cess in  cases  in  which  the  lower  have  been  directed  so 
to  do,  and  have  refused  or  neglected  to  obey. 
4 


50  DTSCTPLTNE. 

10.  When  a  judicatory  enters  on  the  consideration  of 
an  alleged  offence,  the  charge  and  specifications,  whicli 
shall  be  in  writing,  shall  be  read;  and  nothing  more  shall 
be  done  at  that  meeting,  unless  by  consent  of  parties,  than 
to  furnish  the  accused  with  a  copy  of  the  charge  and  spe- 
cifications, together  with  the  names  of  all  the  witnesses 
then  known  to  support  each  specification;  and  to  cite  all 
concerned  to  appear  at  a  subsequent  meeting  of  the  judi- 
catory, to  be  held  not  less  than  ten  days  after  the  service 
of  the  citations.  The  citations  shall  be  signed,  in  the 
name  of  the  judicatory,  by  the  Moderator,  or  Clerk;  who 
shall,  also,  furnish  citations  for  such  witnesses  as  either 
party  shall  name.  The  accused  shall  not  be  required  to 
disclose  the  names  of  his  witnesses. 

20.  Citations  shall  be  served  personally,  unless  the  per- 
son to  be  cited  cannot  be  found,  in  which  case  the  cita- 
tion shall  be  sent  to  his  last  known  place  of  residence : 
and,  before  proceeding  to  trial,  it  must  appear  that  the 
citations  have  been  served. 

21.  If  an  accused  person  refuses  to  obey  a  citation,  a 
second  citation  shall  issue,  accompanied  by  a  notice  that, 
if  he  do  not  appear  at  the  time  appointed,  unless  provi- 
dentially hindered,  he  will  be  censured  for  his  contumacy, 
according  to  the  subsequent  provisions  of  the  Book  of 
Discipline.  {See  Sections  33,  38  and  46.)  If  he  does  not 
then  appear,  the  judicatory  may  proceed  to  trial  and  judg- 
ment in  his  absence ;  in  which  case  it  shall  appoint  some 
person  to  represent  him  as  counsel.  The  time  allowed 
for  his  appearance,  on  any  citation  subsequent  to  the  first, 
shall  be  determined  by  the  judicatory,  with  proper  regard 
for  all  the  circumstances.  The  same  rule,  as  to  the  time 
allowed  for  appearance,  shall  apply  to  all  witnesses  cited 
at  the  request  of  either  party. 

22.  At  the  meeting  at  which  the  citations  are  returnable, 
the  accused  shall  appear,  or,  if  unable  to  be  present,  may 
appear  by  counsel.  He  may  file  objections  to  the  regu- 
larity of  the  organization,  or  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
judicatory,  or  to  the  sufticiency  of  the  charges  and  spe- 


Ch.  IV.]  DISCIPLINE.  51 

cifications  in  form  or  in  legal  effect,  or  anv  other  substan- 
tial objection  affecting  the  order  or  re^mlaritv  of  the  pro- 
ceeding, on  which  objections  the  parties  shall  be  heard. 
The  judicatory  upon  the  filing  of  such  objections  shall,  or 
on  Its  own  motion  may,  determine  all  such  preliminary 
objections,  and  may  dismiss  the  case,  or  permit,  in  the 
furtherance  of  justice,  amendments  to  the  specifications 
or  charges  not  changing  the  general  nature  of  the  same. 
If  the  proceedings  be  found  in  order,  and  the  charges  and 
specifications  be  considered  sufficient  to  put  the  accused 
on  his  defence,  he  shall  plead  "guilty,"  or  "not  guilty," 
to  the  same,  which  shall  be  entered'  on  the  record.  If 
the  plea  be  "  guilty,"  the  judicatory  shall  proceed  to  judg- 
ment; but  if  the  plea  be  "not  guilty,"  or  if  the  accused 
decline  to  answer,  a  plea  of  "not  guilty"  shall  be  entered 
of  record  and  the  trial  proceed. 

23.  The  witnesses  shall  be  examined,  and,  if  desired, 
cross-examined,  and  any  other  competent  evidence  intro- 
duced, at  a  meeting  of  which  the  accused  shall  be  prop- 
erly notified;   after  which  new  witnesses  and  other  evi- 
dence, in  rebuttal  only,  may  be  introduced  by  either  party. 
But  evidence,  discovered  during  the  progress  of  the  trial* 
may  be  admitted,  in  behalf  of  either  party,  under  such 
regulations,  as  to  notice  of  the  names  of  witnesses  and 
the  nature  of  the  proof,  as  the  judicatory  shall  deem  rea- 
sonable and  proper ;  and  then  the  parties  themselves  shall 
be  heard.     The  judicatory  shall  then  go  into  private  ses- 
sion—the parties,  their  counsel,  and  all  other  persons  not 
members  of  the  body,  being  excluded ;  when,  after  care- 
ful deliberation,  the  judicatory  shall  proceed  to  vote  on 
each   specification   and   on   each   charge  separately,   and 
judgment  shall  be  entered  accordingly. 
_  24.  The  charge  and   specifications, 'the   plea,  and   the 
judgment,  shall  be  entered  on  the  minutes  of  the  judi- 
catory.   The  minutes  shall  also  exhibit  all  the  acts  and 
orders  of  the  judicatory  relating  to  the  case,  with  the 
reasons  therefor,  together  with  the  notice  of  appeal,  and 
the  reasons  therefor,  if  any  shall  have  been  filed';   all 


52  DISCTPLTNE. 

which,  together  with  the  evidence  in  the  case  duly  filed 
and  authenticated  by  the  Clerk  of  the  judicatory,  shall 
constitute  the  record  of  the  case;  and,  in  case  of  a  re- 
moval thereof  by  appeal,  the  lower  judicatory  shall  trans- 
mit the  record  to  the  higher.  Nothing  which  is  not  con- 
tained in  the  record  shall  be  taken  into  consideration  in 
the  higher  judicatory. 

25.  Exceptions  may  be  taken  by  either  of  the  original 
parties  in  a  trial,  to  any  part  of  the  proceedings,  except 
in  the  judicatory  of  last  resort,  and  shall  be  entered  on 
the  record. 

2().  No  professional  counsel  shall  be  permitted  to  ap- 
pear and  plead  in  cases  of  process  in  any  of  our  eccle- 
siastical judicatories.  But  if  any  accused  person  feel 
unable  to  represent  and  plead  his  own  cause  to  advan- 
tage, he  may  request  any  minister  or  elder,  belonging  to 
the  judicatory  before  which  he  appears,  to  prepare  and 
exhibit  his  cause  as  he  may  judge  proper.  But  the  min- 
ister or  elder  so  engaged  shall  not  be  allowed,  after  plead- 
ing the  cause  of  the  accused,  to  sit  in  judgment  as  a  mem- 
ber of  the  judicatory. 

27.  Questions  as  to  order  or  evidence,  arising  in  the 
course  of  a  trial,  shall,  after  the  parties  have  had  an 
opportunity  to  be  heard,  be  decided  by  the  Moderator, 
subject  to  appeal;  and  the  question  on  the  appeal  shall 
be  determined  without  debate.  All  such  decisions,  if  de- 
sired by  either  party,  shall  be  entered  upon  the  record  of 
the  case. 

28.  No  member  of  a  judicatory  who  has  not  been  pres- 
ent during  the  whole  of  a  trial,  shall  be  allowed  to  vote 
on  any  question  arising  therein,  except  by  unanimous 
consent  of  the  judicatory  and  of  the  parties ;  and,  when 
a  trial  is  in  progress,  except  in  an  appellate  judicatory, 
the  roll  shall  be  called  after  each  recess  and  adjournment, 
and  the  names  of  the  absentees  shall  be  noted. 

29.  The  parties  shall  be  allowed  copies  of  the  record 
at  their  own  expense;  and,  on  the  final  disposition  of  a 
case  in  a  higher  judicatory,  the  record  of  the  case,  with 


DISCIPLINE.  $8 

the  judgment,  shall  be  transmitted  to  the  judicatory  in 
which  the  case  originated. 

30.  In  the  infliction  and  removal  of  church  censures, 
judicatories  shall  observe  the  modes  prescribed  in  Chap- 
ter XI.  of  the  Directory  for  Worship. 

31.  In  all  cases  of  judicial  process,  the  judicatory  may, 
at  any  stage  of  the  case,  determine,  by  a  vote  of  two- 
thirds,  to  sit  with  closed  doors. 

32.  A  judicatory  may,  if  the  edification  of  the  Church 
demands  it,  require  an  accused  person  to  refrain  from 
approaching  the  Lord's  Table,  or  from  the  exercise  of 
office,  or  both,  until  final  action  in  the  case  shall  be 
taken ;  provided,  that  in  all  cases  a  speedy  investigation 
or  trial  shall  be  had. 


CHAPTER    V. 

SPECIAL  RULES   PERTAINING   TO  CASES  BEFORE  SESSIONS. 

33.  When  an  accused  person  has  been  twice  duly  cited, 
and  refuses  to  appear,  by  himself  or  counsel,  before  a  Ses- 
sion, or,  appearing,  refuses  to  answer  the  charge  brought 
against  him,  he  shall  be  suspended,  by  act  of  Session, 
from  the  communion  of  the  Church,  and  shall  so  remain 
until  he  repents  of  his  contumacy,  and  submits  himself 
to  the  orders  of  the  judicatory. 

34.  The  censures  to  be  inflicted  by  the  Session  are 
Admonition,  Rebuke,  Suspension  or  Deposition  from 
office.  Suspension  from  the  communion  of  the  Church, 
and,  in  the  case  of  offenders  who  will  not  be  reclaimed 
by  milder  measures.  Excommunication. 

35.  The  sentence  shall  be  published,  if  at  all,  only  in 
the  church   or  churches  which  have  been  offended. 


34  DISCIPLINE. 

CHAPTER    VI. 

GENERAL  RULES  PERTAINING    TO  THE   TRIAL  OF  A  MINIS- 
TER, ELDER,  OR  DEACON. 

36.  As  the  honor  and  success  of  the  gospel  depend,  in 
a  great  measure,  on  the  character  of  its  Ministers,  each 
Presbytery  ought,  with  the  greatest  care  and  impartiality, 
to  watch  over  their  personal  and  professional  conduct. 
But  as,  on  the  one  hand,  no  Minister  ought,  on  account 
of  his  office,  to  be  screened  from  the  hand  of  justice,  or  his 
offences  to  be  slightly  censured,  so  neither  ought  charges 
to  be  received  against  him  on  slight  grounds. 

87.  If  a  Minister  be  accused  of  an  offence,  at  such  a  dis- 
tance from  his  usual  place  of  residence  as  that  it  is  not 
likely  to  become  otherwise  known  to  his  Presbyter}^,  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Presbytery  within  whose  bounds 
the  offence  is  alleged  to  have  been  committed,  if  it  shall  be 
satisfied  that  there  is  probable  ground  for  the  accusation, 
to  notify  his  Presbytery  thereof,  and  of  the  nature  of  the 
offence ;  and  his  Presbytery,  on  receiving  such  notice, 
shall,  if  it  appears  that  the  honor  of  religion  requires  it, 
proceed  to  the  trial  of  the  case. 

38.  If  a  Minister  accused  of  an  offence  refuses  to  ap- 
pear by  himself  or  counsel,  after  being  twice  duly  cited, 
he  shall,  for  his  contumacy,  be  suspended  from  his  office ; 
and  if,  after  another  citation,  he  refuses  to  appear  by  him- 
self or  counsel,  he  shall  be  suspended  from  the  commu- 
nion of  the  Church. 

39.  If  a  judicatory  so  decides,  a  member  shall  not  be 
allowed,  while  charges  are  pending  against  him,  to  delib- 
erate or  vote  on  any  question. 

40.  If  the  accused  be  found  guilty,  he  shall  be  admon- 
ished, rebuked,  suspended  or  deposed  from  office  (with  or 
without  suspension  from  church  privileges,  in  either  case), 
or  excommunicated.  A  Minister  suspended  from  office 
may,  at  the  expiration  of  one  year,  unless  he  gives  satis- 
factory evidence  of  repentance,  be  deposed  without  fur- 
ther trial. 


DISCIPLINE.  55 

41.  Heresy  and  schism  may  be  of  such  a  nature  as  to 
call  for  deposition ;  but  errors  ought  to  be  carefully  con- 
sidered, whether  they  strike  at  the  vitals  of  religion  and 
are  industriously  spread,  or  whether  they  arise  from  the 
weakness  of  tlie  human  understanding,  and  are  not  likely 
to  do  much  injury. 

42.  If  the  Presbytery  finds,  on  trial,  that  the  matter 
complained  of  amounts  to  no  more  than  such  acts  of  in- 
firmity as  may  be  amended  and  the  people  satisfied,  so  • 
that  little  or  nothing  remains  to  hinder  the  usefulness 
of  the  ofi'ender,  it  shall  take  all  prudent  measures  to 
remove  the  evil. 

43.  A  Minister  deposed  for  immoral  conduct  shall  not  be 
restored,  even  on  the  deepest  sorrow  for  his  sin,  until  after 
some  considerable  time  of  eminent  and  exemplary,  hum- 
ble and  edifying  conduct ;  and  he  ought  in  no  case  to  be 
restored,  until  it  shall  clearly  appear  to  the  judicatory 
within  whose  bounds  he  resides,  that  the  restoration  can 
be  efiected  without  injury  to  the  cause  of  religion ;  and 
then  only  by  the  judicatory  inflicting  the  censure,  or  with 
its  advice  and  consent. 

44.  If  a  Minister  is  deposed  without  excommunication, 
his  pulpit,  if  he  is  a  Pastor,  shall  be  declared  vacant ;  and 
the  Presbytery  shall  give  him  a  letter  to  any  church  with 
which  he  may  desire  to  connect  himself  where  his  lot  may 
be  cast,  in  which  shall  be  stated  his  exact  relation  to  the 
Church.  If  a  Pastor  is  suspended  from  office  only,  the 
Presbytery  may,  if  no  appeal  from  the  sentence  of  sus- 
pension is  pending,  declare  his  pulpit  vacant. 

45.  A  Presbytery  may,  if  the  edification  of  the  Church 
demand  it,  require  an  accused  Minister  to  refrain  from  the 
exercise  of  his  office  until  final  action  in  the  case  shall  be 
taken :  provided,  that  in  all  cases  a  speedy  investigation  or 
trial  shall  be  had. 

46.  In  process  by  a  Session  against  a  ruling  elder  or  a 
deacon,  the  provisions  of  this  chapter,  so  far  as  applica- 
ble, shall  be  observed. 


b(i  DISCIPLINE. 

CHAPTER   VII. 

OF  CASES   WITHOUT  FEOCESS. 

47.  If  a  person  commits  an  offence  in  the  presence  of 
a  judicatory,  or  comes  forward  as  his  own  accuser  and 
makes  known  his  offence,  the  judicatory  may  proceed  to 
judgment  w^ithout  process,  giving  the  offender  an  oppor- 
tunity to  be  heard;  and  in  the  case  first  named  he  may 
demand  a  delay  of  at  least  two  days  before  judgment. 
The  record  must  show  the  nature  of  the  offence,  as  well  as 
the  judgment  and  the  reasons  therefor,  and  appeal  may 
be  taken  from  the  judgment  as  in  other  cases. 

48.  If  a  communicant,  not  chargeable  with  immoral 
conduct,  inform  the  Session  that  he  is  fully  persuaded 
that  he  has  no  right  to  come  to  the  Lord's  Table,  the 
Session  shall  confer  with  him  on  the  subject,  and  may, 
should  he  continue  of  the  same  mind,  and  his  attendance 
on  the  other  means  of  grace  be  regular,  excuse  him  from 
attendance  on  the  Lord's  Supper;  and,  after  fully  sat- 
isfying themselves  that  his  judgment  is  not  the  result  of 
mistaken  views,  shall  erase  his  name  from  the  roll  of  com- 
municants, and  make  record  of  their  action  in  the  case. 

49.  If  a  communicant,  not  chargeable  with  immoral 
conduct,  removes  out  of  the  bounds  of  his  Church,  with- 
out asking  for  or  receiving  a  regular  certificate  of  dismis- 
sion to  another  Church,  and  his  residence  is  known,  the 
Session  may,  within  two  years,  advise  him  to  apply  for 
such  certificate ;  and,  if  he  fails  so  to  do,  without  giving 
sufiicient  reason,  his  name  may  be  placed  on  the  roll  of 
suspended  members,  until  he  shall  satisfy  the  Session  of 
the  propriety  of  his  restoration.  But,  if  the  Session  has 
no  knowledge  of  him  for  the  space  of  three  years,  it  may 
erase  his  name  from  the  roll  of  communicants,  making 
record  of  its  action  and  the  reasons  therefor.  In  either 
case,  the  member  shall  continue  subject  to  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  Session.  A  separate  roll  of  all  such  names  shall 
be  kept,  stating  the  relations  of  each  to  the  Church. 

50.  If  any  communicant,  not  chargeable  with  immoral 


DISCIPLINE.  57 

conduct,  neglects  the  ordinances  of  the  Church  for  one 
year,  and  in  circumstances  such  as  the  Session  shall  re- 
gard to  be  a  serious  injury  to  the  cause  of  religion,  he 
may,  after  affectionate  visitation  by  the  Session,  and  admo- 
nition if  need  be,  be  suspended  from  the  communion  of 
the  Church  until  he  gives  satisfactory  evidence  of  the  sin- 
cerity of  his  repentance,  but  he  shall  not  be  excommu- 
nicated without  due  process  of  discipline. 

51.  If  a  Minister,  otherwise  in  good  standing,  shall 
make  application  to  be  released  from  the  office  of  the  min- 
istry, he  may,  at  the  discretion  of  the  Presbytery,  be  put 
on  probation,  for  one  year  at  least,  in  such  a  manner 
as  the  Presbytery  may  direct,  in  order  to  ascertain  his 
motives  and  reasons  for  such  a  relinquishment.  And  if, 
at  the  end  of  this  period,  the  Presbytery  be  satisfied  that 
he  cannot  be  useful  and  happy  in  the  exercise  of  his  min- 
istry, they  may  allow  him  to  demit  the  office,  and  return 
to  the  condition  of  a  private  member  in  the  Church, 
ordering  his  name  to  be  stricken  from  the  roll  of  the 
Presbytery,  and  giving  him  a  letter  to  any  Church  with 
which  he  may  desire  to  connect  himself. 

52.  If  a  communicant  renounces  the  communion  of  this 
Church  by  joining  another  denomination,  without  a  regu- 
lar dismission,  although  such  conduct  is  disorderly,  the 
Session  shall  take  no  other  action  in  the  case  than  to  re- 
cord the  fact,  and  order  his  name  to  be  erased  from  the 
roll.  If  charges  are  pending  against  him,  these  charges 
may  be  prosecuted. 

53.  If  a  Minister,  not  otherwise  chargeable  with  an 
offence,  renounces  the  jurisdiction  of  this  Church,  by 
abandoning  the  ministry,  or  becoming  independent,  or 
joining  another  denomination  not  deemed  heretical, 
without  a  regular  dismission,  the  Presbytery  shall  take  no 
other  action  than  to  record  the  fact  and  to  erase  his  name 
from  the  roll.  If  charges  are  pending  against  him,  he 
may  be  tried  thereon.  If  it  appears  that  he  has  joined 
another  denomination  deemed  heretical,  he  may  be  sus- 
pended, deposed,  or  excommunicated. 


58  DISCIPLINE. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

OF  EVIDENCE. 

54.  Judicatories  ought  to  be  very  careful  and  impar- 
tial in  receiving  testimony.  Not  every  person  is  com- 
petent, and  not  every  competent  person  is  credible,  as  a 
witness. 

55.  All  persons,  whether  parties  or  otherwise,  are  com- 
petent witnesses,  except  such  as  do  not  believe  in  the 
existence  of  God,  or  a  future  state  of  rewards  and  pun- 
ishments, or  have  not  sufficient  intelligence  to  understand 
the  obligation  of  an  oath.  Any  wutness  may  be  chal- 
lenged for  incompetency,  and  the  judicatory  shall  decide 
the  question. 

56.  The  credibility  of  a  witness,  or  the  degree  of  credit 
due  to  his  testimony,  may  be  affected  by  relationship  to 
any  of  the  parties ;  by  interest  in  the  result  of  the  trial ; 
by  want  of  proper  age ;  by  weakness  of  understanding ; 
by  infamy  or  malignity  of  character;  by  being  under 
church  censure;  by  general  rashness  or  indiscretion;  or 
by  any  other  circumstances  that  appear  to  affect  his  vera- 
city, knowledge,  or  interest  in  the  case. 

57.  A  husband  or  wife  shall  be  a  competent  witness  for 
or  against  the  other,  but  shall  not  be  compelled  to  testify. 

58.  Evidence  may  be  oral,  written  or  printed,  direct  or 
circumstantial.  A  charge  may  be  proven  by  the  testimony 
of  one  witness,  only  when  supported  by  other  evidence ; 
but,  when  there  are  several  specifications  under  the  same 
general  charge,  the  proof  of  two  or  more  of  the  specifica- 
tions, by  different  credible  witnesses,  shall  be  sufficient  to 
establish  the  charge. 

59.  No  witness  afterwards  to  be  examined,  except  a 
member  of  the  judicatory,  shall  be  present  during  the 
examination  of  another  witness  if  either  party  object. 

60.  Witnesses  shall  be  examined  first  by  the  party  pro- 
ducing them ;  then  cross-examined  by  the  opposite  party; 
after  which  any  member  of  the  judicatory  or  either  party 


DISCIPLINE.  69 

may  put  additional  interrogatories.  Irrelevant  or  frivo- 
lous questions  shall  not  be  admitted,  nor  leading  questions 
by  the  parties  producing  the  witness,  except  under  permis- 
sion of  the  judicatory  as  necessary  to  elicit  the  truth. 

61.  The  oath  or  affirmation  shall  be  administered  by 
the  Moderator  in  the  following,  or  like,  terms :  "  You  sol- 
emnly promise,  in  the  presence  of  the  omniscient  and 
heart-searching  God,  that  you  will  declare  the  truth,  the 
whole  truth,  and  nothing  but  the  truth,  according  to  the 
best  of  your  knowledge,  in  the  matter  in  which  you  are 
called  to  testiiy,  as  you  shall  answer  to  the  Great  Judge 
of  quick  and  dead." 

62.  Every  question  put  to  a  witness  shall,  if  required, 
be  reduced  to  writing.  And,  if  either  party  desire  it,  or 
if  the  judicatory  shall  so  decide,  both  question  and  answer 
shall  be  recorded.  The  testimony,  thus  recorded,  shall  be 
read  to  the  witnesses,  in  the  presence  of  the  judicatory, 
for  their  approbation  and  subscription. 

63.  The  records  of  a  judicatory,  or  any  part  of  them, 
whether  original  or  transcribed,  if  regularly  authenticated 
by  the  Clerk,  or  in  case  of  his  death,  absence,  disability 
or  fj^llure  from  any  cause,  by  the  Moderator,  shall  be 
deemed  good  and  sufficient  evidence  in  every  other  judi- 
catory. 

64.  In  like  manner,  testimony  taken  by  one  judicatory, 
and  regularly  certified,  shall  be  received  by  every  other 
judicatory,  as  no  less  valid  than  if  it  had  been  taken  by 
themselves. 

65.  Any  judicatory,  before  which  a  case  may  b€  pend- 
ing, shall  have  power,  whenever  the  necessity  of  parties 
or  of  witnesses  shall  require  it,  to  appoint,  on  the  applica 
tion  of  either  party,  a  Commission  of  Ministers,  or  Elders, 
or  both,  to  examine  witnesses ;  which  Commission,  if  the 
case  requires  it,  may  be  of  persons  within  the  jurisdic- 
tion of  another  body.  The  Commissioners  so  appointed 
shall  take  such  testimony  as  may  be  offered  by  either  party. 
The  testimony  shall  be  taken  in  accordance  with  the  rulea 
governing  the  judicatory,  either  orally  or  on  written  inter- 


60  DISCIPLINE. 

rogatories  and  cross-interrogatories,  duly  settled  by  the 
judicatory,  due  notice  having  been  given  of  the  time 
when,  and  place  where,  the  witnesses  are  to  be  examined. 
All  questions,  as  to  the  relevancy  or  competency  of  the 
testimony  so  taken,  shall  be  determined  by  the  judicatory. 
The  testimony,  properly  authenticated  by  the  signatures 
of  the  Commissioners,  shall  be  transmitted,  in  due  time, 
to  the  Clerk  of  the  judicatory  before  which  the  case  is 
pending. 

66.  A  member  of  the  judicatory  may  be  called  upon  to 
testify  in  a  case  which  comes  before  it.  He  shall  be  quali- 
fied as  other  witnesses  are,  and,  after  having  given  his 
testimony,  may  immediately  resume  his  seat  as  a  mem- 
ber of  the  judicatory. 

67.  A  member  of  the  Church,  summoned  as  a  witness, 
and  refusing  to  appear,  or,  having  appeared,  refusing  to 
testify,  shall  be  censured  according  to  the  circumstances 
of  the  case  for  his  contumacy. 

68.  If,  after  a  trial  before  any  judicatory,  new  evidence 
is  discovered,  supposed  to  be  important  to  the  exculpation 
of  the  accused,  he  may  ask,  if  the  case  has  not  been  ap- 
pealed, and  the  judicatory  shall  grant,  if  justice  seems  to 
require  it,  a  new  trial. 

69.  If,  in  the  prosecution  of  an  appeal,  new  evidence 
is  ofiered,  which,  in  the  judgment  of  the  appellate  judi- 
catory, has  an  important  bearing  on  the  case,  it  shall 
either  refer  the  whole  case  to  the  inferior  judicatory  for 
a  new  trial ;  or,  with  the  consent  of  the  parties,  take  the 
testimony,  and  hear  and  determine  the  case. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


OF  THE  WAYS  IN  WHICH  A  CAUSE  MAY  BE  CARRIED  FROM 
A  LOWER   TO  A  HIGHER  JUDICATORY. 

70.  All  proceedings  of  the  Session,   the  Presbyter}', 
and  the  Synod  (except  as  limited  by  Chapter  XI.,  Sec- 


DISCIPLINE.  61 

tion  4,  of  the  Form  of  Government),  are  subject  to  review 
by,  iind  may  be  taken  to,  a  superior  judicatory,  by  Gene- 
ral Review  and  Control,  Reference,  Complaint,  or  Appeal. 

I.    OF   GENERAL   REVIEW   AND   CONTROL. 

71.  All  proceedings  of  the  Church  shall  be  reported  to, 
and  reviewed  by,  the  Session,  and  by  its  order  incorpo- 
rated with  its  Records.  Every  judicatory  above  a  Session 
shall  review,  at  least  once  a  year,  the  records  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  judicatory  next  below ;  and,  if  the  lower 
judicator}^  shall  omit  to  send  up  its  records  for  this  pur- 
pose, the  higher  may  require  them  to  be  produced,  either 
immediately,  or  at  a  specified  time,  as  circumstances  may 
determine. 

72.  In  such  review,  the  judicatory  shall  examine,  first, 
whether  the  proceedings  have  been  correctly  recorded; 
second,  whether  they  have  been  constitutional  and  reg- 
ular ;  and,  third,  whether  they  have  been  wise,  equitable, 
and  for  the  edification  of  the  Church. 

73.  Members  of  a  judicatory,  the  records  of  which  are 
under  review,  shall  not  be  allowed  to  vote  thereon. 

74.  In  most  cases  the  superior  judicatory  may  discharge 
its  duty,  by  simply  placing  on  its  own  records,  and  on  those 
under  review,  the  censure  which  it  may  pass.  But  irreg- 
ular proceedings  may  be  found  so  disreputable  and  inju- 
rious, that  the  inferior  judicatory  must  be  required  to 
review  and  correct,  or  reverse  them,  and  report,  within 
a  specified  time,  its  obedience  to  the  order :  provided,  how- 
ever, that  no  judicial  decision  shall  be  reversed,  unless 
regularly  taken  up  by  appeal  or  complaint. 

75.  If  a  judicatory  is,  at  any  time,  well  advised  of  any 
unconstitutional  proceedings  of  a  lower  judicatory,  the 
latter  shall  be  cited  to  appear,  at  a  specified  time  and 
place,  to  produce  the  records,  and  to  show  what  it  has 
done  in  the  matter  in  question ;  after  which,  if  the  charge 
is  sustained,  the  whole  matter  shall  be  concluded  by  the 
judicatory  itself,  or  be  remitted  to  the  lower  judicatory, 
with  directions  as  to  its  disposition. 


62  DISCIPLWE. 

76.  Judicatories  may  sometimes  neglect  to  perform  their 
duty,  by  wiiich  neglect  heretical  opinions  or  corrupt  prac- 
tices may  be  allowed  to  gain  ground,  or  offenders  of  a  gross 
character  may  be  suffered  to  escape ;  or  some  part  of  their 
proceedings  may  have  been  omitted  from  the  record,  or  not 
properly  recorded.  If,  therefore,  at  any  time,  the  superior 
judicatory  is  well  advised  of  such  neglects,  omissions,  or 
irregularities  on  the  part  of  the  inferior  judicatory,  it  may 
require  its  records  to  be  produced,  and  shall  either  proceed 
to  examine  and  decide  the  whole  matter,  as  completely  as 
if  proper  record  had  been  made  ;  or  it  shall  cite  the  lower 
judicaton,',  and  proceed  as  in  the  next  preceding  section. 

II.   OF  EEFEEENCES. 

77.  A  Reference  is  a  representation  in  writing,  made  by 
an  inferior  to  a  superior  judicatory,  of  a  judicial  case  not 
yet  decided.  Generally,  however,  it  is  more  conducive 
to  the  public  good  that  each  judicatory  should  fulfill  its 
duty  by  exercising  its  own  judgment. 

78.  Cases  which  are  new,  important,  difficult,  or  of 
peculiar  delicacy,  the  decision  of  which  may  establish 
principles  or  precedents  of  extensive  influence,  on  which 
the  inferior  judicatory  is  greatly  divided,  or  on  which  for 
any  reason  it  is  desirable  that  a  superior  judicatory  should 
first  decide,  are  proper  subjects  of  Reference. 

79.  References  are,  either  for  mere  advice,  preparatory 
to  a  decision  by  the  inferior  judicatory,  >or  for  ultimate 
trial  and  decision  by  the  superior ;  and  are  to  be  carried 
to  the  next  higher  judicatory.  If  for  advice,  the  Refer- 
ence only  suspends  the  decision  of  the  inferior  judica- 
tory; if  for  trial,  it  submits  the  whole  case  to  the  final 
judgment  of  the  superior. 

80.  In  cases  of  Reference,  members  of  the  inferior  judi- 
catory may  sit,  deliberate,  and  vote. 

81.  A  judicatory  is  not  necessarily  bound  to  give  a  final 
judgment  in  a  case  of  Reference,  but  may  remit  the  whole 
case,  either  with  or  without  advice,  to  the  inferior  judi- 
catory. 


Ch.  IX.]  DISCIPLINE.  63 

82.  The  whole  record  of  proceedings  shall  be  promptly 
transmitted  to  the  superior  judicatory,  and,  if  the  Refer- 
ence is  accepted,  the  parties  shall  be  heard. 

III.   OF   COMPLALNTS. 

83.  A  Complaint  is  a  written  representation,  made  to 
the  next  superior  judicatory,  by  one  or  more  persons  sub- 
ject and  submitting  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  judicatory 
complained  of,  respecting  any  delinquency,  or  any  decis- 
ion, by  an  inferior  judicatory. 

84.  Written  notice  of  Complaint,  with  the  reasons  there- 
for, shall  be  given,  within  ten  days  after  the  action  was 
taken,  to  the  Clerk,  or,  in  case  of  his  death,  absence,  or 
disability,  to  the  Moderator,  of  the  judicatory  complained 
of,  who  shall  lodge  it,  with  the  records  and  all  the  papers 
pertaining  to  the  case,  with  the  Clerk  of  the  superior  judi- 
catory, before  the  close  of  the  second  day  of  its  regular 
meeting  next  ensuing  the  date  of  the  reception  of  said 
notice. 

85.  Whenever  a  Complaint,  in  cases  non-judicial,  is 
entered  against  a  decision  of  a  judicatory,  signed  by  at 
least  one-third  of  the  members  recorded  as  present  when 
the  action  was  taken,  the  execution  of  such  decision  shall 
be  stayed,  until  the  final  issue  of  the  case  by  the  superior 
judicatory. 

86.  The  complainant  shall  lodge  his  Complaint,  and 
the  reasons  therefor,  with  the  Clerk  of  the  superior  judi- 
catory before  the  close  of  the  second  day  of  its  meeting 
next  ensuing  the  date  of  the  notice  thereof. 

87.  If  the  higher  judicatory  finds  that  the  Complaint 
is  in  order,  and  that  sufficient  reasons  for  proceeding  to 
trial  have  been  assigned,  the  next  step  shall  be  to  read 
the  record  of  the  action  complained  of,  and  so  much  of 
the  record  of  the  lower  judicatory  as  may  be  pertinent ; 
then  the  parties  shall  be  heard,  and,  after  that,  the  judi- 
catory shall  proceed  to  consider  and  determine  the  case, 
as  provided  for  in  cases  of  original  process.  In  cases  of 
Complaint  involving  a  judicial  decision,  proceedings  in 


64  DISCIPLINE. 

an  appellate  judicatory  shall  be  had  in  the  order  and  a^ 
provided  in  Section  99,  Chapter  IV.,  entitled  "Of  Ap- 
peals." 

88.  The  effect  of  a  Complaint,  if  sustained,  may  be  the 
reversal,  in  whole  or  in  part,  of  the  action  of  the  lower 
judicatory;  and  may  also,  in  cases  non-judicial,  be  the 
infliction  of  censure  upon  the  judicatory  complained  of. 
When  a  Complaint  is  sustained,  the  lower  judicatory  shall 
be  directed  how  to  dispose  of  the  matter. 

89.  The  parties  to  a  Complaint,  in  cases  non-judicial, 
shall  be  known,  respectively,  as  Complainant  and  Re- 
spondent— the  latter  being  the  judicatory  complained  of, 
which  should  always  be  represented  by  one  or  more  of  its 
number  appointed  for  that  purpose,  who  may  be  assisted  by 
counsel. 

90.  Neither  the  Complainant  nor  the  members  of  the 
judicatory  complained  of  shall  sit,  deliberate,  or  vote  in 
the  case. 

91.  Either  of  the  parties  to  a  Complaint  may  appeal  to 
the  next  superior  judicatory,  except  as  limited  by,  Chapter 
XI.,  Section  4,  of  the  Form  of  Government. 

92.  The  judicatory  against  which  a  Complaint  is  made 
shall  send  up  its  records,  and  all  the  papers  relating  to 
the  matter  of  the  Complaint,  and  filed  with  the  record.; 
and,  for  failure  to  do  this,  it  shall  be  censured  by  the 
superior  judicatory,  which  shall  have  power  to  make  such 
orders,  pending  the  production  of  the  records  and  papers, 
and  the  determination  of  the  Complaint,  as  may  be  neces- 
sary to  preserve  the  rights  of  all  the  parties. 

93.  If  a  case  should  be  carried  to  an  appellate  judica- 
tory by  both  Appeal  and  Complaint,  the  same  shall  be 
consolidated  for  trial,  if  deemed  proper  by  the  appellate 
judicatory.  If  the  Appeal  be  abandoned,  the  case  shall 
be  heard  only  on  the  Complaint. 

lY.    OF   APPEALS. 

94.  An  Appeal  is  the  removal  of  a  judicial  case,  by  a 
written  representation,  from  an  inferior  to  a  superior -judi- 


Ch.  IX.]  DISCIPLINE.  60 

catory ;  and  may  be  taken,  by  either  of  the  original  par- 
ties, from  the  final  jndgment  of  the  lower  judicatory. 
Tliese  parties  shall  be  called  Appellant  and  Appellee. 

95.  The  grounds  of  Appeal  may  be  such  as  these :  Ir- 
regularity in  the  proceedings  of  the  inferior  judicatory ; 
refusal  to  entertain  an  Appeal  or  Complaint ;  refusal  of 
reasonable  indulgence  to  a  party  on  trial ;  receiving  im- 
proper, or  declining  to  receive  important,  testimony  ;  has- 
tening to  a  decision  before  the  testimony  is  fully  taken ; 
manifestation  of  prejudice  in  the  conduct  of  the  case; 
and  mistake  or  injustice  in  the  decision. 

96.  Written  notice  of  Appeal,  with  specifications  of 
the  errors  alleged,  shall  be  given,  within  ten  days  after 
the  judgment  has  been  rendered,  to  the  Clerk,  or,  in  case 
of  his  death,  absence,  or  disability,  to  the  Moderator,  of 
the  judicatory  appealed  from,  who  shall  lodge  it,  with 
the  records  and  all  the  papers  pertaining  to  the  case,  with 
the  Clerk  of  the  superior  judicatory,  before  the  close  of 
the  second  day  of  its  regular  meeting  next  ensuing  the 
date  of  his  reception  of  said  notice. 

97.  The  appellant  shall  appear  in  person  or  by  counsel 
before  the  judicatory  appealed  to,  on  or  before  the  close 
of  the  second  day  of  its  regular  meeting  next  ensuing 
the  date  of  the  filing  of  his  notice  of  Appeal,  and  shall 
lodge  his  Appeal  and  specifications  of  the  errors  alleged, 
with  the  Clerk  of  the  superior  judicatory,  within  the  time 
above  specified.  If  he  fail  to  show  to  the  satisfaction  of 
the  judicatory  that  he  was  unavoidably  prevented  from 
80  doing,  he  shall  be  considered  as  having  abandoned  his 
Appeal,  and  the  judgment  shall  stand. 

98.  Neither  the  appellant,  nor  the  members  of  the 
judicatory  appealed  from,  shall  sit,  deliberate,  or  vote 
in  the  case. 

99.  When  due  notice  of  an  Appeal  has  been  given, 
and  the  Appeal  and  the  specifications  of  the  errors  alleged 
have  been  filed  in  due  time,  the  Appeal  shall  be  consid- 
ered in  order.  The  judgment,  the  notice  of  Appeal,  the 
Appeal,  and  the  specifications  of  the  errors  alleged,  shall 


GQ  DISCIPLINE. 

be  read:  and  the  judicatory  may  then  determine,  after 
iieuring  the  parties,  whether  the  Appeal  sliall  be  enter- 
tained. If  it  be  entertained,  the  following  order  shall 
be  observed : 

(Ij  The  record  in  the  case,  from  the  beginning,  shall 
be  read,  except  what  may  be  omitted  by  consent. 

(2)  The  parties  shall  be  heard,  the  appellant  opening 
and  closing. 

(3)  Opportunity  shall  be  given  to  the  members  of  the 
judicatory  appealed  from  to  be  heard. 

(4i  Opportunity  shall  be  given  to  the  members  of  the 
superior  judicatory  to  be  heard. 

(5j  The  vote  shall  then  be  separately  taken,  without 
debate,  on  each  specification  of  error  alleged,  the  ques- 
tion being  taken  in  the  form:  "Shall  the  specification 
of  error  be  sustained?"  If  no  one  of  the  specifications 
be  sustained,  and  no  error  be  found  by  the  judicatory  in 
the  record,  the  judgment  of  the  inferior  judicatory  shall 
be  aflirmed.  If  one  or  more  errors  be  found,  the  judica- 
tory shall  determine,  whether  the  judgment  of  the  inferior 
judicatory  shall  be  reversed  or  modified,  or  the  case  re- 
manded for  a  new  trial;  and  the  judgment,  accompanied 
by  a  recital  of  the  error  or  errors  found,  shall  be  entered 
on  the  record.  If  the  judicatory  deem  it  wise,  an  ex- 
planatory minute  may  be  adopted  which  shall  be  a  part 
of  the  record  of  the  case. 

100.  When  the  judgment  directs  admonition  or  rebuke, 
notice  of  Appeal  shall  suspend  all  further  proceedings; 
but  in  other  cases  the  judgments  shall  be  in  force  until 
the  Appeal  is  decided. 

101.  The  judicatory  whose  judgment  is  appealed  from 
shall  send  up  its  records,  and  all  the  papers  relating  there- 
to, and  filed  with  the  record.  If  it  fails  to  do  this,  it  shall 
be  censured ;  and  the  sentence  appealed  from  shall  be 
suspended,  until  a  record  is  produced  on  which  the  issue 
can  be  fairly  tried. 

102.  Appeals  are,  generally,  to  be  taken  to  the  judica- 
tory immediately  superior  to  that  appealed  from. 


DISCIPLINE.  67 

CHAPTER    X. 

OF  DISSEXTS  AND  FEOTESTS. 

103.  A  Dissent  is  a  declaration  of  one  or  more  mem- 
bers of  a  minority  in  a  judicatory,  expressing  disagree- 
ment with  a  decision  of  the  majority  in  a  particular  case. 

104.  A  Protest  is  a  more  formal  declaration,  made  by 
one  or  more  members  of  a  minority,  bearing  testimony 
against  what  is  deemed  a  mischievous  or  erroneous  pro- 
ceeding, decision,  or  judgment,  and  including  a  statement 
of  the  reasons  therefor. 

105.  If  a  Dissent  or  Protest  be  couched  in  decorous 
and  respectful  language,  and  be  without  offensive  reflec- 
tions or  insinuations  against  the  majority,  it  shall  be 
entered  on  the  records. 

106.  The  judicatory  may  prepare  an  answer  to  any  pro- 
test which  imputes  to  it  principles  or  reasonings  which 
ita  action  does  not  import,  and  the  answer  shall  also  be 
entered  upon  the  records.  Leave  may  thereupon  be  given 
to  the  protestant  or  protestants,  if  they  desire  it,  to  modify 
their  Protest;  and  the  answer  of  the  judicatory  may  also, 
in  consequence,  be  modified.     This  shall  end  the  matter. 

107.  No  one  shall  be  allowed  to  dissent  or  protest  who 
has  not  a  right  to  vote  on  the  question  decided, — and,  in 
judicial  cases,  no  one  shall  be  allowed  to  dissent  or  pro- 
test who  did  not  vote  against  the  decision. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

OF  JURISDICTION  IN  CASES  OF  DISMISSION. 

108.  The  judicatory,  to  which  a  church  member  or  a 
Minister  belongs,  shall  have  sole  jurisdiction  for  the  trial 
of  offences  whenever  or  wherever  committed  by  him. 

109.  A  member  of  a  Church,  receiving  a  certificate  of 
dismission  to  another  Church,  shall  continue  to  be  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Church  giving  him  the  certificate,  and  subject 
to  the  jurisdiction  of  its  Session  (but  shall  not  deliberate 


68  DISCIPLINE. 

or  vote  in  a  church  meeting,  nor  exercise  the  functions  of 
any  office),  until  he  has  become  a  member  of  the  Church 
to  which  he  is  recommended,  or  some  other  evangelical 
Church ;  and,  should  he  return  the  certiticate,  within  a 
year  from  its  date,  the  Session  shall  make  record  of  the 
fact,  but  he  shall  not  thereby  be  restored  to  the  exercise 
of  the  functions  of  any  office  previously  held  by  him  in 
that  Church. 

110.  In  like  manner,  a  Minister  shall  be  subject  to  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  Presbytery  which  dismissed  him  (but 
shall  not  deliberate  or  vote,  nor  be  counted  in  the  basis  of 
representation  to  the  General  Assembly),  until  he  actually 
becomes  a  member  of  another  Presbytery ;  but,  should  he 
return  the  certificate  of  dismission  within  a  year  from  its 
date,  the  Presbytery  shall  make  record  of  the  lact,  and 
restore  him  to  the  full  privileges  of  membership. 

111.  A  Presbytery,  giving  a  certificate  of  dismission  to 
a  Minister,  Licentiate,  or  Candidate  for  licensure,  shall 
specify  the  particular  body  to  which  he  is  recommended  ; 
and,  if  recommended  to  a  Presbytery,  no  other  than  the 
one  designated,  if  existing,  shall  receive  him. 

112.  If  a  Church  becomes  extinct,  the  Presbytery  with 
which  it  was  connected  shall  have  jurisdiction  over  its 
members,  and  grant  them  letters  of  dismission  to  some 
other  Church.  It  shall,  also,  determine  any  case  of  dis- 
cipline begun  by  the  Session  and  not  concluded. 

113.  If  a  Presbytery  becomes  extinct,  the  Synod,  with 
which  it  was  connected,  shall  have  jurisdiction  over  ii- 
members,  and  may  transfer  them  to  any  Presbytery  within 
its  bounds.  It  shall,  also,  determine  any  case  of  disci- 
pline begun  by  the  Presbytery  and  not  concluded. 


CHAPTER    XII. 

OF  REMOVALS,  AND  LIMITATION  OF  TIME. 

114.  When  any  member  shall  remove  from  one  Church 
to  another,  he  shall  produce  a  certificate,  ordinarily  not 


DTSCTPLINE.  69 

more  than  one  year  old,  of  his  church- membership  and 
dismission,  before  he  shall  be  admitted  as  a  regular  mem- 
ber of  that  Church. 

The  names  of  the  baptized  children  of  a  parent  seek- 
ing dismission  to  another  Church  shall,  if  such  children 
are  members  of  his  household  and  remove  with  him  and 
are  not  themselves  communicants,  be  included  in  the  cer- 
tificate of  dismission.  The  certificate  shall  be  addressed 
to  a  particular  Church,  and  the  fact  of  the  reception  of 
the  person  or  persons  named  in  it  shall  be  promptly  com- 
municated to  the  Church  which  gave  it. 

115.  In  like  manner,  when  a  Minister,  Licentiate,  or 
Candidate,  is  dismissed  from  one  Presbytery  to  another, 
the  certificate  shall  be  presented  to  the  Presbytery  to 
which  it  is  addressed,  ordinarily  within  one  year  from 
its  date,  and  the  fact  of  his  reception  shall  be  promptly 
communicated  to  the  Presbytery  dismissing  him. 

116.  If  a  church-member,  more  than  two  years  absent 
from  the  place  of  his  ordinary  residence  and  Church 
connections,  applies  for  a  certificate  of  membership,  his 
absence,  and  the  knowledge  of  the  Church  respecting  his 
demeanor  for  that  time,  or  its  want  of  information  con- 
cerning it,  shall  be  distinctly  stated  in  the  certificate. 

117.  Prosecution  for  an  alleged  offence  shall  commence 
within  one  year  from  the  time  of  its  alleged  commission, 
or  from  the  date  when  it  becomes  known  to  the  judica- 
tory which  has  jurisdiction  thereof. 


CHAPTER  XIII 


OF  JUDICIAL  COMMISSIONS. 


118.  The  General  Assembly,  each  Synod,  and  each 
Presbytery  under  its  care,  shall  have  power  to  appoint 
Judicial  Commissions  from  their  respective  bodies,  con- 
sisting of  Ministers  and  Elders,  in  number  not  less  than 
eighteen  (18)  from  the  General  Assembly,  not  less  than 


70  DISCIPLINE. 

twelve  (12)  from  any  Synod,  and  not  less  than  seven  (7) 
rroni  any  Presbytery. 

il9.  All  judicial  cases  may  be  submitted  to  such  Com- 
missions, and  their  decisions  shall  be  subject  to  reversal 
only  by  the  superior  judicatory  or  judicatories,  except  in 
matters  of  law,  which  shall  be  referred  to  the  appointing 
judicatory  for  adjudication;  and  also  all  matters  of  Con- 
stitution and  doctrine  may  be  reviewed  in  the  appointing 
body  and  by  the  superior  judicatory  or  judicatories. 

120.  Such  Commissions  shall  sit  at  the  same  time  and 
])lace  as  the  body  appointing  them,  and  their  findings 
shall  be  entered  upon  the  minutes  of  the  appointing  body  ; 
provided,  however,  that  a  Commission  appointed  by  a 
Presbytery  may  also  sit  during  the  intervals  between  the 
meetings  of  the  appointing  Presbytery.  The  quorum  of 
any  such  Commission  shall  not  be  less  in  number  than 
three-fourths  of  the  members  appointed,  and  shall  be  the 
same-in  all  other  respects  as  the  quorum  of  the  appointing 
judicatory. 


CHAPTEK    XIV. 

OF  DIFFERENCES  BETWEEN  JUDICATORIES. 

121.  AXY  judicatory  deeming  itself  aggrieved  by  the 
action  of  any  other  judicatory  of  the  same  rank,  may 
present  a  memorial  to  the  judicatory  immediately  supe- 
rior to  the  judicatory  charged  with  the  grievance  and  to 
which  the  latter  judicatory'  is  subject,  after  the  manner 
prescribed  in  the  sub-chapter  on  Complaints  (Sections  SB- 
OS,  Book  of  Discipline),  save  only  that  with  regard  to  the 
limitation  of  time,  notice  of  said  memorial  shall  be  lodged 
with  the  Stated  Clerks,  both  of  the  judicatory  charged 
with  the  grievance  and  of  its  next  superior  judicatory, 
within  one  year  from  the  commission  of  the  said  alleged 
grievance. 


122.  When  any  judicatory  deems  it?elf  aggrieved  by 
another  judicatory  and  determines  to  present  a  memorial 
as  provided  for  in  the  preceding  section,  it  shall  appoint 
a  Committee  to  conduct  the  case  in  all  its  stages,  in  what- 
ever judicatory,  until  the  final  issue  be  reached. 

123.  The  judicatory  with  which  the  memorial  is  lodged, 
if  it  sustain  the  same,  may  reverse  in  whole  or  in  part  the 
matter  of  grievance,  and  shall  direct  the  lower  judicatory 
how  to  dispose  of  the  case,  and  may  enforce  its  orders. 
Either  party  may  appeal  to  the  next  higher  judicatory, 
except  as  limited  by  Chapter  XI.,  Section  4,  of  the  Form 
of  Government. 


I.  It  is  the  duty  of  every  person  to  remember  the 
Lord's  day ;  and  to  prepare  for  it,  before  its  approach. 
All  worldly  business  should  be  so  ordered,  and  season - 
ablv  laid  aside,  as  that  we  may  not  be  hindered  thereby 
from  sanctifying  the  Sabbath,  as  the  Holy  Scripture:, 
require. 

II.  The  whole  day  is  to  be  kept  holy  to  the  Lord; 
and  to  be  employed  in  the  public  and  private  exercises 
of  religion.  Therefore,  it  is  requisite,  that  there  be  a 
holy  resting,  all  the  day,  from  unnecessary  labors;  ahd 
an  abstaining  from  those  recreations  which  may  be  law- 
ful on  other  days ;  and  also,  as  much  as  possible,  from 
worldly  thoughts  and  conversation. 

III.  Let  the  provisions  for  the  support  of  the  family 

*  The  Scripture-warrant  for  what  is  specified  in  the  various  articles 
of  this  Directory,  will  be  found  at  large  in  the  Confession  of  Faith  and 
Catechisms,  in  the  places  where  the  subjects  are  treated  in  a  doctrinal 
form.  *  ^^ 


72  DIRECTORY  FOR    WORSHIP. 

on  that  day,  be  so  ordered,  that  servant-  or  others  be  not 
improperly  detained  from  the  public  worship  of  God ;  nor 
hindered  from  sanctifying  the  Sabbath. 

lY.  Let  every  person  and  family,  in  the  morning,  by 
secret  and  private  prayer,  for  themselves  and  others,  espe- 
cially for  the  assistance  of  God  to  their  minister,  and  for 
a  blessing  upon  his  ministry;  by  reading  the  Scriptures, 
and  by  holy  meditation ;  prepare  for  communion  with 
God  in  his  public  ordinances. 

y.  Let  the  people  be  careful  to  assemble  at  the  ap- 
pointed time;  that,  being  all  present  at  the  beginning, 
they  may  unite,  with  one  heart,  in  all  the  parts  of  public 
worship :  and  let  none  unnecessarily  depart,  till  after  the 
blessing  be  pronounced. 

VI.  Let  the  time  after  the  solemn  services  of  the  con- 
gregation in  public  are  over,  be  spent  in  reading;  medita- 
tion ;  repeating  of  sermons  ;  catechising ;  religious  con- 
versation ;  prayer  for  a  blessing  upon  the  public  ordi- 
nances ;  the  singing  of  psalms,  hymns,  or  spiritual  songs ; 
visiting  the  sick ;  relieving  the  poor ;  and  in  performing 
such  like  duties  of  piety,  charity,  and  mercy. 


CHAPTER   II. 


OF  THE  ASSEMBLING    OF   THE  CONGREGATION  AND    THEIR 
BEHAVIOR  DURING  DIVINE  SERVICE. 

I.  When  the  time  appointed  for  public  worship  is 
come,  let  the  people  enter  the  church,  and  take  their 
seats  in  a  decent,  grave,  and  reverent  manner. 

II.  In  time  of  public  worship,  let  all  the  people  attend 
with  gravity  and  reverence;  forbearing  to  read  any  thing, 
except  what  the  minister  is  then  reading  or  citing;  ab- 
staining from  all  whisperings;  from  salutations  of  persons 
present,  or  coming  in;  and  from  gazing  about,  sleeping, 
smiling,  and  all  other  indecent  behavior. 


DIBECTORY  FOR    WORSHIP.  <3 

CHAPTER  III. 

OF  THE  PUBLIC  READING   OF  THE  HOLY  SCRIPTURES. 

I.  The  reading  the  Holy  Scriptures,  in  the  congrega- 
tion, is  a  part  of  the  public  worship  of  God,  and  ought  to 
be  performed  by  the  ministers  and  teachers. 

II.  The  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament, 
shall  be  publicly  read,  from  the  most  approved  translation, 
in  the  vulgar  tongue,  that  all  may  hear  and  understand. 

III.  How  large  a  portion  shall  be  read  at  once,  is  left 
to  the  discretion  of  every  minister :  however,  in  each  ser- 
vice, he  ought  to  read,  at  least,  one  chapter;  and  more, 
when  the  chapters  are  short,  or  the  connection  requires  it. 
He  may,  when  he  thinks  it  expedient,  expound  any  part 
of  what  is  read :  always  having  regard  to  the  time,  that 
neither  reading,  singing,  praying,  preaching,  or  any  other 
ordinance,  be  disproportionate  the  one  to  the  other;  nor 
the  whole  rendered  too  short,  or  too  tedious. 


CHAPTER    IV. 

OF  THE  SINGING  OF  PSALMS. 

I.  It  is  the  duty  of  Christians  to  praise  God,  by  sing- 
ing psalms,  or  hymns,  publicly  in  the  church,  as  also  pri- 
vately in  the  family. 

II.  In  singing  the  praises  of  God,  we  are  to  sing  with 
the  spirit,  and  with  the  understanding  also  ;  making  mel- 
ody in  our  hearts  unto  the  Lord.  It  is  also  proper,  that 
we  cultivate  some  knowledge  of  the  rules  of  music ;  that 
we  may  praise  God  in  a  becoming  manner  with  our  voices, 
as  well  as  with  our  hearts. 

III.  The  whole  congregation  should  be  furnished  with 
books,  and  ought  to  join  in  this  part  of  worship.  It  is 
proper  to  sing  without  parceling  out  the  psalm,  line  by 
line.     The  practice  of  reading  the  psalm,  line  by  line,  was 


74  DIRECTORY  FOR    WORSHIP. 

introduced  in  times  of  ignorance,  when  many  in  the  con- 
gregation could  not  read :  therefore,  it  is  recommended, 
that  it  be  laid  aside,  as  far  as  convenient. 

IV.  The  proportion  of  the  time  of  public  worship  to 
be  spent  in  singing,  is  left  to  the  prudence  of  every  min- 
ister :  but  it  is  recommended,  that  more  time  be  allowed 
for  this  excellent  part  of  divine  service  than  has  been 
usual  in  most  of  our  churches. 


CHAPTER   V. 

OF  PUBLIC   PRAYER. 


I.  It  seems  very  proper  to  begin  the  public  worship  of 
the  sanctuary  by  a  short  prayer :  humbly  adoring  the  in- 
finite majesty  of  the  living  God  ;  expressing  a  sense  of  our 
distance  from  him  as  creatures,  and  unworthiness  as  sin- 
ners;  and  humbly  imploring  his  gracious  presence,  the 
assistance  of  his  Holy  Spirit  in  the  duties  of  his  worship, 
and  his  acceptance  of  us  through  the  merits  of  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

II.  Then,  after  singing  a  psalm,  or  hymn,  it  is  proper 
that,  before  sermon,  there  should  be  a  full  and  compre- 
hensive prayer :  First,  Adoring  the  glory  and  perfections 
of  God,  as  they  are  made  known  to  us  in  the  works  of 
creation,  in  the  conduct  of  providence,  and  in  the  clear 
and  full  revelation  he  hath  made  of  himself  in  his  written 
word :  Second,  Giving  thanks  to  him  for  all  his  mercies  of 
ever}'  kind,  general  and  particular,  spiritual  and  temporal, 
common  and  special ;  above  all,  for  Christ  Jesus,  his  un- 
speakable gift,  and  the  hope  of  eternal  life  through  him: 
Third,  Making  humble  confession  of  sin,  both  original  and 
actual ;  acknowledging,  and  endeavoring  to  impress  the 
mind  of  every  worshiper,  with  a  deep  sense  of  the  evil 
of  all  sin,  as  such ;  as  being  a  departure  from  the  living 
God ;  and  also  taking  a  particular  and  aflfecting  view  of 


DIRECTORY  FOR   WORSHIP.  7o 

the  various  fruits  which  proceed  from  this  root  of  bitter- 
ness:— as  sins  against  God,  our  neighbor,  and  ourselves; 
sins  in  thought,  in  word,  and  in  deed ;  sins  secret  and  pre- 
sumptuous ;  sins  accidental  and  habitual.  Also,  the  aggra- 
vations of  sin,  arising  from  knowledge,  or  the  means  of  it ; 
from  distinguishing  mercies ;  from  valuable  privileges ; 
from  breach  of  vows,  etc. :  Fourth^  Making  earnest  sup- 
plication for  the  pardon  of  sin,  and  peace  with  God, 
through  the  blood  of  the  atonement,  with  all  its  import- 
ant and  happv  fruits ;  for  the  Spirit  of  sanctification,  and 
abundant  supplies  of  the  grace  that  is  necessary  to  the 
discharge  of  our  duty ;  for  support  and  comfort,  under  all 
the  trials  to  which  we  are  liable,  as  we  are  sinful  and 
mortal ;  and  for  all  temporal  mercies  that  may  be  neces- 
sary, in  our  passage  through  this  valley  of  tears :  always 
remembering  to  view  them  as  flowing  in  the  channel  of 
covenant  love,  and  intended  to  be  subservient  to  the  pres- 
ervation and  progress  of  the  spiritual  life :  Fifth,  Plead- 
ing from  every  principle  warranted  in  Scripture  :  from  our 
own  necessity ;  the  all-sufficiency  of  God ;  the  merit  and 
intercession  of  our  Saviour ;  and  the  glory  of  God  in  the 
comfort  and  happiness  of  his  people :  Sixth,  Intercession 
for  others,  including  the  whole  world  of  mankind ;  the 
kingdom  of  Christ,  or  his  church  universal ;  the  church 
or  churches  with  which  we  are  more  particularly  con- 
nected; the  interest  of  human  society  in  general,  and  in 
that  community  to  which  we  immediately  belong ;  all  that 
are  invested  with  civil  authority ;  the  ministers  of  the 
everlasting  gospel ;  and  the  rising  generation  :  with  what- 
ever else,  more  particular,  may  seem  necessarj',  or  suitable, 
to  the  interest  of  that  congregation  where  divine  worship 
is  celebrated. 

III.  Prayer  after  sermon,  ought  generally  to  have  a 
relation  to  the  subject  that  has  been  treated  of  in  the  dis- 
course ;  and  all  other  public  prayers,  to  the  circumstances 
that  gave  occasion  for  them. 

rV.  It  is  easy  to  perceive,  that  in  all  the  preceding  direc- 
tions there  is  a  very  great  compass  and  variety ;  and  it  is 


76  DIRECTORY  FOE    WORSHIP. 

committed  to  the  judgment  and  fidelity  of  the  officiating' 
pastor  to  insist  chiefly  on  such  parts,  or  to  tal^e  in  more 
or  less  of  the  several  parts,  as  he  shall  be  led  to  by  the 
aspect  of  Providence ;  the  particular  state  of  the  congre- 
gation in  which  he  officiates ;  or  the  disposition  and  exer- 
cise of  his  own  heart  at  the  time.  But  we  think  it  neces- 
sary to  observe,  that  although  we  do  not  approve,  as  is 
well  known,  of  confining  ministers  to  set  or  fixed  forms 
of  prayer  for  public  worship ;  yet  it  is  the  indispensable 
duty  of  every  minister,  previously  to  his  entering  on  his 
office,  to  prepare  and  qualify  himself  for  this  part  of  his 
duty,  as  well  as  for  preaching.  He  ought,  by  a  thorough 
acquaintance  with  the  Holy  Scriptures,  by  reading  the 
best  writers  on  the  subject,  by  meditation,  and  by  a  life 
of  communion  with  God  in  secret,  to  endeavor  to  acquire 
both  the  spirit  and  the  gift  of  prayer.  Not  only  so,  but 
when  he  is  to  enter  on  particular  acts  of  worship,  he  should 
endeavor  to  compose  his  spirit,  and  to  digest  his  thoughts 
for  prayer,  that  it  may  be  performed  with  dignity  and  pro- 
priety, as  well  as  to  the  profit  of  those  who  join  in  it;  and 
that  he  may  not  disgrace  that  important  service  by  mean, 
irregular,  or  extravagant  effusions. 


CHAPTEK    VI. 

OF  THE   WORSHIP  OF  GOD  BY  OFFERINGS. 

I.  In  order  that  every  member  of  the  congregation  may 
be  trained  to  give  of  his  substance  systematically,  and  as 
the  Lord  has  prospered  him,  to  promote  the  preaching  of 
the  Gospel  in  all  the  world  and  to  every  creature,  accord- 
ing to  the  command  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  it  is  proper 
and  very  desirable  that  an  opportunity  be  given  for  offer- 
ings by  the  congregations  in  this  behalf  every  Lord's  day, 
and  that,  in  accordance  with  the  Scriptures,  the  bringing 
of  such  offerings  be  performed  as  a  solemn  act  of  worship 
to  almighty  God. 


DIRECTORY  FOR    WORSHIP.  77 

II.  The  proper  order,  both  as  to  the  particular  service 
of  the  day  and  the  place  in  such  service  for  receiving  the 
ofierings,  may  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  minister  and 
session  of  the  church ;  but  that  it  may  be  a  separate  and 
specific  act  of  worship,  the  minister  should  either  precede 
or  immediately  follow  the  same  with  a  brief  prayer,  in- 
voking the  blessing  of  God  upon  it  and  devoting  the 
offerings  to  his  service. 

III.  The  offerings  received  may  be  apportioned  among 
the  Boards  of  the  Church  and  among  other  benevolent 
and  Christian  objects,  under  the  supervision  of  the  church 
session,  in  such  proportion  and  on  such  general  plan  as 
may  from  time  to  time  be  determined;  but  the  specific 
designation  by  the  giver  of  any  offering  to  any  cause  or 
causes  shall  always  be  respected  and  the  will  of  the  donor 
carefully  carried  out. 

lY.  It  is  the  duty  of  every  minister  to  cultivate  the 
grace  of  liberal  giving  in  his  congregation,  that  every  mem- 
ber thereof  may  offer  according  to  his  ability,  whether  it 
be  much  or  little. 


CHAPTER    VII. 

OF  THE  PREACHING  OF  THE  WORD. 

I,  The  preaching  of  the  word  being  an  institution  of 
God  for  the  salvation  of  men,  great  attention  should  be 
paid  to  the  manner  of  performing  it.  Ever}'-  minister 
ought  to  give  diligent  application  to  it ;  and  endeavor  to 
prove  himself  a  workman  that  needeth  not  to  be  ashamed, 
rightly  dividing  the  word  of  truth. 

II.  The  subject  of  a  sermon  should  be  some  verse  or 
verses  of  Scripture:  and  its  object,  to  explain,  defend 
and  apply  some  part  of  the  system  of  divine  truth  ;  or,  to 
point  out  the  nature,  and  state  the  bounds  and  obligation, 
of  some  duty.  A  text  should  not  be  merely  a  motto,  but 
should  fairly  contain  the  doctrine  proposed  to  be  handled. 


78  DIRECTOBY  FOE    WORSHIP. 

It  i.s  proper  also  that  large  portions  of  Scripture  be  some- 
times expounded,  and  particularly  improved,  for  the  in- 
struction of  the  people  in  the  meaning  and  use  of  the 
Sacred  Oracles. 

III.  The  method  of  preaching  requires  much  study, 
meditation,  and  prayer.  Ministers  ought,  in  general,  to 
prepare  their  sermons  with  care  ;  and  not  to  indulge  them- 
selves in  loose,  extemporary  harangues ;  nor  to  serve  God 
with  that  which  cost  them  naught.  They  ought,  however, 
to  keep  to  the  simplicity  of  the  gospel :  expressing  them- 
selves in  language  agreeable  to  Scripture,  and  level  to  the 
understanding  of  the  meanest  of  their  hearers ;  carefully 
avoiding  ostentation,  either  of  parts  or  learning.  They 
ought  also  to  adorn,  by  their  lives,  the  doctrine  which 
they  teach;  and  to  be  examples  to  the  believers,  in 
word,  in  conversation,  in  charity,  in  spirit,  in  faith,  in 
purity. 

IV.  As  one  primary  design  of  public  ordinances  is  to 
pay  social  acts  of  homage  to  the  most  high  God,  ministers 
ought  to  be  careful  not  to  make  their  sermons  so  long  as 
to  interfere  with  or  exclude  the  more  important  duties  of 
prayer  and  praise ;  but  preserve  a  just  proportion  between 
the  several  parts  of  public  worship. 

V.  The  sermon  being  ended,  the  minister  is-to  pray,  and 
return  thanks  to  almighty  God :  then  let  a  psalm  be  sung, 
and  the  assembly  dismissed  with  the  apostolic  benediction. 

VI.  It  is  expedient  that  no  person  be  introduced  to 
preach  in  any  of  the  churches  under  our  care,  unless 
by  the  consent  of  the  pastor  or  church  session. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

OF  THE  ADMINISTRATION  OF  BAPTISM. 

I.  Baptism  is  not  to  be  unnecessarily  delayed ;  nor  to 
be  administered,  in  any  case,  by  any  private  person ;  but 


DIRECTORY  FOR    WORSHIP.  79 

by  a  minister  of  Christ,  called  to  be  the  steward  of  the 
mysteries  of  God. 

II.  It  is  usually  to  be  administered  in  the  church,  in 
the  presence  of  the  congregation ;  and  it  is  convenient 
that  it  be  performed  immediately  after  sermon. 

III.  After  previous  notice  is  given  to  the  minister,  the 
child  to  be  baptized  is  to  be  presented,  by  one  or  both 
the  parents,  signifying  their  desire  that  the  child  may  be 
baptized. 

IV.  Before  baptism,  let  the  minister  use  some  words 
of  instruction,  respecting  the  institution,  nature,  use,  and 
ends  of  this  ordinance ;  showing, 

''That  it  is  instituted  by  Christ;  that  it  is  a  seal  of  the 
"righteousness  of  faith  :  that  the  seed  of  the  faithful  have 
"  no  less  a  right  to  this  ordinance,  under  the  gospel,  than 
"  the  seed  of  Abraham  to  circumcision,  under  the  Old 
"  Testament ;  that  Christ  commanded  all  nations  to  be 
"baptized;  that  he  blessed  little  children,  declaring  that 
"of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven;  that  children  are 
"  federally  holy,  and  therefore  ought  to  be  baptized  ;  that 
"  we  are,  by  nature,  sinful,  guilty,  and  polluted,  and  have 
"need  of  cleansing  by  the  blood  of  Christ,  and  by  the 
"  sanctiiH-ing  influences  of  the  Spirit  of  God." 

The  minister  is  also  to  exhort  the  parents  to  the  care- 
ful performance  of  their  duty :  requiring, 

"  That  they  teach  the  child  to  read  the  word  of  God ; 
"  that  they  instruct  it  in  the  principles  of  our  holy  relig- 
"  ion,  as  contained  in  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New 
"  Testament ;  an  excellent  summary  of  which  we  have  in 
"  the  Confession  of  Faith  of  this  church,  and  in  the  Larger 
"and  Shorter  Catechisms  of  the  Westminster  Assembly, 
"  which  are  to  be  recommended  to  them,  as  adopted  by 
"  this  church,  for  their  direction  and  assistance,  in  the  dis- 
"  charge  of  this  important  duty  ;  that  they  pray  with  and 
"  for  it ;  that  they  set  an  example  of  piety  and  godUness 
"  before  it,  and  endeavor,  by  all  the  means  of  God's  ap- 
"  pointment,  to  bring  up  their  child  in  the  nurture  and 
**  admonition  of  the  Lord." 


80  DIRECTORY  FOR    WORSHIP. 

V.  Then  the  minister  is  to  pray  for  a  blessing  to  attend 
this  ordinance ;  after  which,  calling  the  child  by  its  name, 
he  shall  say, 

"  I  baptize  thee,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
"Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost." 

As  he  pronounces  these  words,  he  is  to  baptize  the  child 
with  water,  by  pouring  or  sprinkling  it  on  the  face  of  the 
child,  without  adding  any  other  ceremony :  and  the  whole 
shall  be  concluded  with  prayer. 

Although  it  is  proper  that  baptism  be  administered  in 
the  presence  of  the  congregation :  yet  there  may  be  cases 
when  it  will  be  expedient  to  administer  this  ordinance  iD 
private  houses  ;  of  which  the  minister  is  to  be  the  judge. 


CHAPTER    IX. 

OF  THE  ADMINISTRATION  OF  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 

I.  The  communion,  or  supper  of  the  Lord,  is  to  be  cele- 
brated frequently ;  but  how  often,  may  be  determined  by 
the  minister  and  eldership  of  each  congregation,  as  they 
may  judge  most  for  edification. 

II.  The  ignorant  and  scandalous  are  not  to  be  admitted 
to  the  Lord's  supper. 

III.  It  is  proper  that  public  notice  should  be  given  to 
the  congregation,  at  least  the  Sabbath  before  the  admin- 
istration of  this  ordinance,  and  that,  either  then,  or  on  some 
day  of  the  week,  the  people  be  instructed  in  its  nature,  and 
a  due  preparation  for  it ;  that  all  may  come  in  a  suitable 
manner  to  this  holy  feast. 

IV.  When  the  sermon  is  ended,  the  minister  shall  show, 
"  That  this  is  an  ordinance  of  Christ ;   by  reading  the 

"  words  of  institution,  either  from  one  of  the  evangelists, 
''  or  from  1  Cor.  xi.  chapter ;  which,  as  to  him  may  appear 
"  expedient,  he  may  explain  and  apply ;  that  it  is  to  be 
''observed  in  remembrance  of  Christ,  to  show  forth  his 


DIRECTORY  FOR    WORSHIP.  81 

"death  till  he  come;  that  it  is  of  inestimable  benefit, 
*'to  strengthen  his  people  against  sin;  to  support  them 
"under  troubles ;  to  encourage  and  quicken  them  in  duty  ; 
"to  inspire  them  with  love  and  zeal;  to  increase  their 
"  faith,  and  holy  resolution ;  and  to  beget  peace  of  con- 
"  science,  and  comfortable  hopes  of  eternal  life," 

He  is  to  warn  the  profane,  the  ignorant,  and  scandalous, 
and  those  that  secretly  indulge  themselves  in  aay  known 
sin,  not  to  approach  the  holy  table.  On  the  other  hand, 
he  shall  invite  to  this  holy  table,  such  as,  sensible  of  their 
lost  and  helpless  state  of  sin,  depend  upon  the  atonement 
of  Christ  for  pardon  and  acceptance  with  God ;  such  as, 
being  instructed  in  the  gospel  doctrine,  have  a  competent 
knowledge  to  discern  the  Lord's  body;  and  such  as  desire 
to  renounce  their  sins,  and  are  determined  to  lead  a  holy 
and  godly  life. 

V.  The  table,  on  which  the  elements  are  placed,  being 
decently  covered,  the  bread  in  convenient  dishes,  and  the 
wine  in  cups,  and  Ihe  communicants  orderly  and  gravely 
sitting  around  the  table,  (or  in  their  seats  before  it,)  in  the 
presence  of  the  minister ;  let  him  set  the  elements  apart, 
by  prayer  and  thanksgiving. 

The  bread  and  wine  being  thus  set  apart  by  prayer  and 
thanksgiving,  the  minister  is  to  take  the  bread,  and  break 
it,  in  the  view  of  the  people,  saying,  in  expressions  of  this 
sort : — 

"Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  on  the  same  night  in  which 
"he  was  betrayed,  having  taken  bread,  and  blessed  and 
"  broken  it,  ga^-it  to  his  disciples;  as  I,  ministering  in  his 
"name,  give  this  bread  unto  you;  saying,  [here  the  bread 
"  is  to  be  distributed]  Take,  eat :  this  is  my  body,  which 
"  is  broken  for  you :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me." 

After  having  given  the  bread,  he  shall  take  the  cup, 
and  say — 

"  After  the  same  manner  our  Saviour  also  took  the  cup ; 

"  and  having  given  thanks,  as  hath  been  done  in  his  name, 

"he  gave  it  to  the  disciples ;  saying,  [while  the  minister  is 

"  repeating  these  words  let  him  give  the  cup]  This  cup  ia 

6 


82  DIRECTORY  FOR    WORSHIP. 

■"  The  new  testament  in  my  blood,  which  is  shed  for  many, 
■'  for  the  remission  of  sins:  drink  ye  all  of  it." 

The  minister  himself  is  to  communicate,  at  such  time 
as  may  appear  to  him  most  convenient. 

The  minister  may,  in  a  few  words,  put  the  communi- 
cants in  mind — 

"  Of  the  grace  of  God,  in  Jesus  Christ,  held  forth  in 
"  this  sacrament ;  and  of  their  obligation  to  be  the  Lord's  ; 
"  and  may  exhort  them  to  walk  worthy  of  the  vocation 
"  wherewith  they  are  called ;  and,  as  they  have  professedly 
"  received  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  that  they  be  careful  so 
"to  walk  in  him,  and  to  maintain  good  works." 

It  may  not  be  improper  for  the  minister  to  give  a  word 
of  exhortation  also  to  those  who  have  been  only  specta- 
tors, reminding  them — 

"Of  their  duty;  stating  their  sin  and  danger,  by  living 
"  in  disobedience  to  Christ,  in  neglecting  this  holy  ordi- 
"  nance ;  and  calling  upon  them  to  be  earnest  in  making 
"  preparation  for  attending  upon  it,  at  the  next  time  of 
"its  celebration." 

Then  the  minister  is  to  pray  and  give  thanks  to  God, 

"For  his  rich  mercy,  and  invaluable  goodness,  vouch- 
"  safed  to  them  in  that  sacred  communion ;  to  implore 
"  pardon  for  the  defects  of  the  whole  service ;  and  to  pray 
"for  the  acceptance  of  their  persons  and  performances; 
"  for  the  gracious  assistance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  enable 
"  them,  as  they  have  received  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  so  to 
"  walk  in  him ;  that  they  may  hold  fast  that  which  they 
"  have  received,  that  no  man  take  their  crown  ;  that  their 
"  conversation  may  be  as  becometh  the  gospel ;  that  they 
"  may  bear  about  with  them,  continually,  the  dying  of  the 
"  Lord  Jesus,  that  the  life  also  of  Jesus  may  be  manifested 
"  in  their  mortal  body ;  that  their  light  may  so  shine  be- 
"  fore  men,  that  others,  seeing  their  good  works,  may  glorify 
"  their  Father  who  is  in  heaven." 

The  collection  for  the  poor,  and  to  defray  the  expense  of 
the  elements,  may  be  made  after  this ;  or  at  such  other  time 
tts  may  seem  meet  to  the  eldership. 


DIRECTORY  FOR    WORSHIP.  83 

Now  let  a  psalm  or  hymn  be  sung,  and  the  congregation 
dismissed,  with  the  following  or  some  other  gospel  bene- 
diction : 

''Now  the  God  of  peace,  that  brought  again  from  the 
"  dead  our  Lord  Jesus,  that  great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep, 
"through  the  blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  make 
"you  perfect  in  every  good  work  to  do  his  will,  work- 
"ing  in  you  that  which  is  well-pleasing  in  his  sight, 
"  through  Jesus  Christ ;  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever  and 
"  ever.     Amen." 

VI.  As  it  has  been  customary,  in  some  parts  of  our 
church,  to  observe  a  fast  before  the  Lord's  supper ;  to 
have  a  sermon  on  Saturday  and  Monday;  and  to  invite 
two  or  three  ministers  on  such  occasions;  and  as  these 
seasons  have  been  blessed  to  many  souls,  and  may  tend 
to  keep  up  a  stricter  union  of  ministers  and  congrega- 
tions ;  we  think  it  not  improper  that  they  who  choose  it 
may  continue  in  this  practice. 


CHAPTEK  X. 

OF  THE  ADMISSION  OF  PERSONS  TO  SEALING  ORDINANCES. 

I.  Children,  born  within  the  pale  of  the  visible  church, 
and  dedicated  to  God  in  baptism,  are  under  the  inspection 
and  government  of  the  church ;  and  are  to  be  taught  to 
read  and  repeat  the  catechism,  the  apostles'  creed,  and  the 
Lord's  prayer.  They  are  to  be  taught  to  pray,  to  abhor 
sin,  to  fear  God,  and  to  obey  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  And, 
when  they  come  to  years  of  discretion,  if  they  be  free  from 
scandal,  appear  sober  and  steady,  and  to  have  sufficient 
knowledge  to  discern  the  Lord's  body,  they  ought  to  be 
informed  it  is  their  duty  and  their  privilege  to  come  to 
the  Lord's  supper. 

II.  The  years  of  discretion,  in  young  Christians,  cannot 
be  precisely  fixed.  This  must  be  left  to  the  prudence  of 
the  eldership.    The  officers  of  the  church  are  the  judges 


84  DIRECTORY  FOR    WORSHIP. 

of  the  qualifications  of  those  to  be  admitted  to  sealing 
ordinances ;  and  of  the  time  when  it  is  proper  to  admit 
young  Christians  to  them. 

III.  Those  who  are  to  be  admitted  to  sealing  ordinances, 
shall  be  examined  as  to  their  knowledge  and  piety. 

IV.  When  unbaptized  persons  apply  for  admission  into 
the  church,  they  shall,  in  ordinary  cases,  after  giving  sat- 
isfaction with  respect  to  their  knowledge  and  piety,  make 
a  public  profession  of  their  faith,  in  the  presence  of  the 
congregation;  and  thereupon  be  baptized. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

OF  THE  MODE  OF  INFLICTING  AND  REMOVING   CENSURES. 

I.  The  power  which  Christ  has  given  the  rulers  of  his 
Church  is  for  edification,  and  not  destruction.  When, 
therefore,  a  communicant  shall  have  been  found  guilty 
of  a  fault  deserving  censure,  the  judicatory  shall  proceed 
with  all  tenderness,  and  restore  the  offending  brother  in 
the  spirit  of  meekness,  its  members  considering  them- 
selves, lest  they  also  be  tempted.  Censure  ought  to  be 
Kifiicted  with  great  solemnity :  that  it  may  be  the  means 
of  impressing  the  mind  of  the  delinquent  with  a  proper 
sense  of  his  sin ;  and  that,  with  the  divine  blessing,  it 
may  lead  him  to  repentance. 

II.  When  the  judicatory  has  resolved  to  pass  sentence, 
suspending  a  communicant  from  church  privileges,  the 
Moderator  shall  pronounce  the  sentence  in  the  following 
form: 

"  Whereas  you  have  been  found  guilty  [by  yovr  own  co7i- 
*^fession,  or  by  sufficient  proof,  as  the  case  may  be]  of  the 
"sin  of  [here  mention  the  particular  offence],  we  declare 
"  you  suspended  from  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  sup- 
"  per,  till  you  give  satisfactory  evidence  of  repentance.'" 

To  this  shall  be  added  such  advice,  admonition,  or  re- 
buke, as  may  be  judged  necessary ;  and  the  whole  shall  be 


DIRECTORY  FOR   WORSHIP.  85 

concluded  with  prayer  to  Almighty  God,  that  he  would 
follow  this  act  of  discipline  with  his  blessing.  In  gene- 
ral, such  censure  should  be  inflicted  in  the  presence  of  the 
j^udicatory  only  ;  but,  if  the  judicatory  think  it  expedient 
to  rebuke  the  offender  publicly,  this  solemn  suspension 
may  be  in  the  presence  of  the  Church. 

III.  After  a  person  has  been  thus  suspended,  the  Minis- 
ister  and  Elders  should  frequently  converse  with  him,  as 
well  as  pray  for  him  in  private,  that  it  would  please  God 
to  give  him  repentance.  And,  particularly  on  days  prepar- 
atory to  the  dispensing  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  the  prayers 
of  the  Church  should  be  offered  up  for  those  who  have 
shut  themselves  out  from  this  holy  communion. 

IV.  When  the  judicatory  shall  be  satisfied  as  to  the 
reality  of  the  repentance  of  any  suspended  member,  he 
shall  be  allowed  to  profess  his  repentance,  and  be  restored 
to  fellowship,  in  the  presence  of  the  Session,  or  of  the 
Church. 

V.  When  a  suspended  person  has  failed  to  manifest 
repentance  for  his  offence,  and  has  continued  in  obsti- 
nate impenitence  not  less  than  a  year,  it  may  become 
the  duty  of  the  judicatory  to  excommunicate  him  with- 
out further  trial.  The  design  of  excommunication  is  to 
operate  upon  the  offender  as  a  means  of  reclaiming  him, 
to  deliver  the  Church  from  the  scandal  of  his  offence, 
and  to  inspire  all  with  fear  by  the  example  of  his  pun- 
ishment. 

VI.  When  a  judgment  of  excommunication  is  to  be  ex- 
ecuted, with  or  without  previous  suspension,  it  is  proper 
that  the  sentence  be  publicly  pronounced  against  the 
offender. 

The  Minister  shall,  therefore,  at  a  regular  meeting  of 
the  Church,  make  a  brief  statement  of  the  several  steps 
which  have  been  taken,  with  respect  to  the  offender, 
announcing  that  it  has  been  found  necessarj^  to  excom- 
municate him. 

He  shall  begin  by  showing  (from  Matt,  xviii.  15,  IG, 
17,  18     1  Cor.  V.  1,  2,  3,  4,  5)  the  power  of  the  Church 


86  DIRECTORY  FOR    WORSHIP. 

to  cast  out  unworthy  members,  and  shall  briefly  explain 
the  nature,  use,  and  consequences  of  this  censure. 

Then  he  shall  pronounce  the  sentence  in  the  follow- 
ing or  like  form,  viz.:  " 

"Whereas  A.  B.  hath  been,  by  sufficient  proof,  con- 
victed of  [here  insert  the  sin\ ,  and  after  much  admonition 
and  prayer  refuseth  to  bear  the  Church,  and  bath  mani- 
fested no  evidence  of  repentance ;  therefore,  in  the  name, 
and  by  the  authority,  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  I  pro- 
nounce him  to  be  excluded  from  the  communion  of  this 
Church." 

After  which,  prayer  shall  be  made  for  the  conviction 
and  reformation  of  the  excommunicated  person,  and  for 
the  establishment  of  all  true  believers. 

But  the  judicatory  may  omit  the  publication  of  the 
excommunication,  when  it  judges  that  there  is  sufficient 
reason  for  such  omission. 

VII.  When  an  excommunicated  person  shall  be  so 
affected  by  his  state  as  to  be  brought  to  repentance,  and 
desires  to  be  readmitted  to  the  privileges  of  the  Church, 
the  Session  of  the  Church  which  excommunicated  him, 
having  obtained,  and  placed  on  record,  sufficient  evidence 
of  his  sincere  repentance  and  deep  contrition,  shall  pro- 
ceed to  restore  him,  recording,  in  explicit  terms,  the 
grounds  on  which  such  conclasion  has  been  reached. 

The  sentence  of  restoration  shall  be  pronounced  by  th% 
Minister,  at  a  regular  meeting  of  the  Church  on  the  Lord's 
Day,  in  the  following  words  : 

"Whereas  A.  B.  has  been  excluded  from  the  commu- 
nion of  the  Church,  but  has  now  given  satisfactory  evi- 
dence of  repentance;  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  and  by  his  authority,  I  declare  him  absolved  from 
the  sentence  of  excommunication  formerly  pronounced 
against  him ;  and  I  do  restore  him  to  the  communion  of 
the  Church,  that  he  may  be  a  partaker  of  all  the  benefits 
of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to  his  eternal  salvation." 

After  which,  he  shall  be  commended  to  God  in  prayer. 

VIII.  Censures,   other    than    suspension    from   church 


DIRECTORY  FOR    WORSHIP.  87 

privileges,  or  excommunication,  shall  be  inflicted  in  such 
mode  as  the  judicatory  may  direct. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

OF  THE  SOLEMNIZATION  OF  MARRIAGE. 

I.  Marriage  is  not  a  sacrament ;  nor  peculiar  to  the 
church  of  Christ.  It  is  proper  that  every  commonwealth, 
for  the  good  of  society,  make  laws  to  regulate  marriage ; 
which  all  citizens  are  bound  to  obey. 

II.  Christians  ought  to  marry  in  the  Lord:  therefore 
it  is  fit  that  their  marriage  be  solemnized  by  a  lawful 
minister;  that  special  instruction  may  be  given  them, 
and  suitable  prayers  made,  when  they  enter  into  this 
relation. 

III.  Marriage  is  to  be  between  one  man  and  one  wo- 
man only :  and  they  are  not  to  be  within  the  degrees  of 
consanguinity  or  aflSnity  prohibited  by  the  word  of  God. 

IV.  The  parties  ought  to  be  of  such  years  of  discre- 
tion as  to  be  capable  of  making  their  own  choice:  and 
if  they  be  under  age,  or  live  with  their  parents,  the  con- 
sent of  the  parents  or  others,  under  whose  care  they  are, 
ought  to  be  previously  obtained,  and  well  certified  to  the 
minister,  before  he  proceeds  to  solemnize  the  marriage. 

V.  Parents  ought  neither  to  compel  their  children  to 
marry  contrary  to  their  inclinations,  nor  deny  their  con- 
sent without  just  and  important  reasons. 

VI.  Marriage  is  of  a  public  nature.  The  welfare  of 
civil  society,  the  happiness  of  families,  and  the  credit  of 
religion,  are  deeply  interested  in  it.  Therefore  the  pur- 
pose of  marriage  ought  to  be  sufiiciently  published  a 
proper  time  previously  to  the  solemnization  of  it.  It  is 
enjoined  on  all  ministers  to  be  careful  that,  in  this  mat- 
ter, they  neither  transgress  the  laws  of  God,  nor  the  laws 
of  the  communit}' :   and  that  they  may  not  destroy  the 


8^  DIRECTORY  FOR    WORSHIP. 

peace  and  comfort  of  families,  they  u)ust  be  properly  cet 
tified  witli  respect  to  the  parties  applying  to  them,  that 
no  just  objections  lie  against  their  marriage. 

VII.  IMarriage  must  always  be  performed  before  a  com- 
petent number  of  witnesses;  and  at  any  time,  except  on 
a  day  of  public  humiliation.  And  we  advise  that  it  be 
not  on  the  Lord's  day.  And  the  minister  is  to  give  a 
certificate  of  the  marriage  when  required. 

VIII.  When  the  parties  present  themselves  for  mar- 
riage, the  minister  is  to  desire,  if  there  is  any  person 
present  who  knows  any  lawful  reason  why  these  persons 
may  not  be  joined  together  in  the  marriage  relation,  that 
they  will  now  make  it  known,  or  ever  after  hold  their 
peace. 

No  objections  being  made,  he  is  then  severally  to  ad- 
dress himself  to  the  parties  to  be  married,  in  the  follow- 
ing or  like  words : 

"  You,  the  man,  declare  in  the  presence  of  God,  that 
"you  do  not  know  any  reason,  by  precontract  or  other- 
"  wise,  why  you  may  not  lawfully  marry  this  woman." 

Upon  his  declaring  he  does  not,  the  minister  shall  ad- 
dress himself  to  the  bride,  in  the  same  or  similar  terms : 

"  You,  the  woman,  declare  in  the  presence  of  God,  that 
"you  do  not  know  any  reason,  by  precontract  or  other- 
"  wise,  why  you  may  not  lawfully  marry  this  man." 

Upon  her  declaring  she  does  not,  he  is  t6  begin  with 
prayer  for  the  presence  and  blessing  of  God. 

The  minister  shall  then  proceed  to  give  them  some  in- 
struction from  the  scriptures,  respecting  the  institution 
and  duties  of  this  state,  showing — 

"That  God  hath  instituted  marriage  for  the  comfort 
"and  happiness  of  mankind,  in  declaring  a  man  shall 
"  forsake  his  father  and  mother,  and  cleave  unto  his  wife ; 
"  and  that  marriage  is  honorable  in  all ;  that  he  hath  ap- 
"  pointed  various  duties,  which  are  incumbent  upon  those 
"  who  enter  into  this  relation ;  such  as,  a  high  esteem  and 
"mutual  love  for  one  another;  bearing  with  each  other's 
"infirmities  and  weaknesses,  to  which  human  nature  is 


Ch.  XIT.]      DTEECTORY  FOR    WORSHIP.  89 

"subject  in  its  present  lapsed  state;  to  encourage  each 
"  other  under  the  various  ills  of  life  ;  to  comfort  one  an- 
"  other  in  sickness  ;  in  honesty  and  industry  to  provide  for 
''each  other's  temporal  support;  to  pray  for  and  encour- 
"  age  one  another  in  the  things  which  pertain  to  God,  and 
*'  to  their  immortal  souls ;  and  to  live  together  as  the  heirs 
"  of  the  grace  of  life." 

Then  the  minister  shall  cause  the  bridegroom  and  bride 
to  join  their  hands,  and  shall  pronounce  the  marriage  cov- 
enant, first  to  the  man,  in  these  words : 

"  You  take  this  woman,  whom  you  hold  by  the  hand,  to 
"  be  your  lawful  and  married  wife ;  and  you  promise,  and 
"covenant,  in  the  presence  of  God  and  these  witnesses, 
"that  you  will  be  unto  her  a  loving  and  faithful  hus- 
"band,  until  you  shall  be  separated  by  death." 

The  bridegroom  shall  express  his  consent,  by  saying, 
"Yes,  I  do." 

Then  the  minister  shall  address  himself  to  the  woman, 
in  these  words : 

"  You  take  this  man,  whom  you  hold  by  the  hand,  to 
"  be  your  lawful  and  married  husband ;  and  you  prom- 
"  ise,  and  covenant  in  the  presence  of  God  and  these  wit- 
"  nesses,  that  you  will  be  unto  him  a  loving,  faithful,  and 
"obedient  wife,  until  you  shall  be  separated  by  death." 

The  bride  shall  express  her  consent,  bv  saying,  "  Yes, 
"I  do." 

Then  the  minister  is  to  say, 

"I  pronounce  you  husband  and  wife,  according  to  the 
"ordinance  of  God;  whom  therefore  God  hath  joined 
"together  let  no  man  put  asunder." 

After  this  the  minister  may  exhort  them  in  a  few  words, 
to  the  mutual  discharge  of  their  duty. 

Then  let  him  conclude  with  prayer  suitable  to  the  occa- 
sion. 

Let  the  minister  keep  a  proper  register  for  the  names 
of  all  persons  whom  he  marries,  and  of  the  time  of  their 
marriage,  for  the  perusal  of  all  whom  it  may  concern. 


90  DmECTORY  FOR    WORSHIP. 

CHAPTER    XIII. 

OF  THE   VISITATION  OF  TEE  SICK. 

I.  When  persons  are  sick,  it  is  their  duty,  before  their 
strength  and  understanding  fail  them,  to  send  for  their 
minister,  and  to  make  known  to  him,  with  prudence,  their 
spiritual  state ;  or  to  consult  him  on  the  concerns  of  their 
precious  souls.  And  it  is  his  duty  to  visit  them,  at  their 
request,  and  to  apply  himself,  with  all  tenderness  and  love, 
to  administer  spiritual  good  to  their  immortal  souls. 

II.  He  shall  instruct  the  sick  out  of  the  scriptures,  that 
diseases  arise  not  out  of  the  ground,  nor  do  they  come  by 
chance ;  but  that  they  are  directed  and  sent  by  a  wise  and 
holy  God,  either  for  correction  of  sin,  for  the  trial  of  grace, 
for  improvement  in  religion,  or  for  other  important  ends: 
and  that  they  shall  work  together  for  good  to  all  those 
who  make  a  wise  improvement  of  God's  visitation,  neither 
despising  his  chastening  hand,  nor  fainting  under  his  re- 
bukes. 

III.  If  the  minister  finds  the  sick  person  to  be  grossly 
ignorant,  he  shall  instruct  him  in  the  nature  of  repent- 
ance and  faith,  and  the  way  of  acceptance  with  God, 
through  the  mediation  and  atonement  of  Jesus  Christ. 

ly.  He  shall  exhort  the  sick  to  examine  himself;  to 
search  his  heart,  and  try  his  former  ways,  by  the  word 
of  God  ;  and  shall  assist  him,  by  mentioning  some  of  the 
obvious  marks  and  evidences  of  sincere  piety. 

V.  If  the  sick  shall  signify  any  scruple,  doubt,  or  temp- 
tation, under  which  he  labors,  the  minister  must  endeavor 
to  resolve  his  doubts,  and  administer  instruction  and  direc- 
tion, as  the  case  may  seem  to  require. 

VI.  If  the  sick  appear  to  be  a  stupid,  thoughtless,  and 
hardened  sinner,  he  shall  endeavor  to  awaken  his  mind ; 
to  arouse  his  conscience ;  to  convince  him  of  the  evil  and 
danger  of  sin ;  of  the  curse  of  the  law,  and  the  wrath  of 
God  due  to  sinners ;  to  bring  him  to  an  humble  and  peni- 
tential sense  of  his  iniquities ;  and  to  state  before  him  the 
fullness  of  the  gcace  and  mercy  of  God,  in  and  through  the 


DIRECTORY  FOR    WORSHIP.  91 

glorious  Redeemer ;  the  absolute  necessity  of  laith  and 
repeutance,  in  order  to  his  being  interested  in  the  favor 
of  God,  or  his  obtaining  everlasting  happiness. 

VII.  If  the  sick  person  shall  appear  to  have  knowledge, 
to  be  of  a  tender  conscience,  and  to  have  been  endeavor- 
ing to  serve  God  in  uprightness,  though  not  without  many 
failings  and  sinful  infirmities ;  or  if  his  spirit  be  broken 
with  a  sense  of  sin,  or  through  apprehensions  of  the  want 
of  the  divine  favor ;  then  it  will  be  proper  to  administer 
consolation  and  encouragement  to  him,  by  setting  before 
him  the  freeness  and  riches  of  the  grace  of  God,  the  all- 
sufficiency  of  the  righteousness  of  Christ,  and  the  sup- 
porting promises  of  the  Gospel. 

VIII.  The  minister  must  endeavor  to  guard  the  sick 
person  against  ill-grounded  persuasions  of  the  mercy  of 
God,  without  a  vital  union  to  Christ ;  and  against  unrea- 
sonable fears  of  death,  and  desponding  discouragements  ; 
against  presumption  upon  his  own  goodness  and  merit, 
upon  the  one  hand,  and  against  despair  of  the  mercy  and 
grace  of  God  in  Jesus  Christ,  on  the  other. 

IX.  In  one  word,  it  is  the  minister's  duty  to  administer 
to  the  sick  person  instruction,  conviction,  support,  conso- 
lation, or  encouragement,  as  his  case  may  seem  to  require. 

At  a  proper  time,  when  he  is  most  composed,  the  minis- 
ter shall  pray  with  and  for  him. 

X.  Lastly,  the  minister  may  improve  the  present  occa- 
sion to  exhort  those  about  the  sick,  to  consider  their  mor- 
tality; to  turn  to  the  Lord  and  make  their  peace  with  him  ; 
in  health  to  prepare  for  sickness,  death,  and  judgment. 


CHAPTER    XIV. 

OF  THE  BURIAL  OF  THE  DEAD. 

I.  When  any  person  departs  this  life,  let  the  corpse  be 
taken  care  of  in  a  decent  manner ;  and  be  kept  a  proper 
and  sufficient  time  before  interment. 


92  DIRECTORY  FOR    WORSHIP. 

II,  Wheu  the  season  for  the  funeral  comes,  let  the  dead 
body  be  decently  attended  to  the  grave,  and  interred.  Din- 
ing such  solemn  occasions,  let  all  who  attend  conduct 
themselves  with  becoming  gravity ;  and  apply  themselves 
to  serious  meditation  or  discourse:  and  the  minister,  if 
present,  may  exhort  them  to  consider  the  frailty  of  life, 
and  the  importance  of  being  prepared  for  death  and 
eternity. 


CHAPTER    XV 


OF  FASTING,  AND   OF  THE  OBSERVATION  OF  THE  DAYS 
OF  THANKSGIVING. 

I.  There  is  no  day  under  the  gospel  commanded  to  be 
kept  holy,  except  the  Lord's  day,  which  is  the  Christian 
Sabbath. 

II.  Nevertheless,  to  observe  days  of  fasting  and  thanks- 
giving, as  the  extraordinary  dispensations  of  divine  provi- 
dence may  direct,  we  judge  both  scriptural  and  rational. 

III.  Fasts  and  thanksgivings  may  be  observed  by  indi- 
vidual Christians;  or  families,  in  private;  by  particular 
congregations ;  by  a  number  of  congregations  contiguous 
to  each  other ;  by  the  congregations  under  the  care  of  a 
presbytery,  or  of  a  synod ;  or  by  all  the  congregations  of 
our  Church. 

IV.  It  must  be  left  to  the  judgment  and  discretion  of 
every  Christian  and  family  to  determine  when  it  is  proper  to 
observe  a  private  fast  or  thanksgiving  ;  and  to  the  church- 
sessions  to  determine  for  particular  congregations;  and  to 
the  presbyteries  or  synods  to  determine  for  larger  districts. 
When  it  is  deemed  expedient  that  a  fast  or  thanksgiving 
should  be  general,  the  call  for  them  must  be  judged  of  by 
the  synod  or  General  Assembly.  And  if  at  any  time  the 
civil  power  should  think  it  proper  to  appoint  a  fast  or 
thanksgiving,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  ministers  and  people 
of  our  communion,  as  we  live  under  a  Christian  govern- 
ment, to  pay  all  due  respect  to  the  same. 


DIRECTORY  FOR    WORSHIP.  93 

Y.  Public  notice  is  to  be  given  a  convenient  time  be- 
fore the  day  of  fasting  or  thanksgiving  comes,  that  per- 
sons may  so  order  their  temporal  affairs,  that  they  may 
properly  attend  to  the  duties  thereof. 

VI.  There  shall  be  public  worship  upon  all  such  days ; 
and  let  the  prayers,  psalms,  portions  of  Scripture  to  be 
read,  and  sermons,  be  all  in  a  special  manner  adapted  to 
the  occasion. 

VII.  On  fast  days,  let  the  minister  point  out  the  author- 
ity and  providences  calling  to  the  observation  thereof;  and 
let  him  spend  a  more  than  usual  portion  of  time  in  solemn 
prayer,  particular  confession  of  sin,  especially  of  the  sins 
of  the  day  and  place,  with  their  aggravations,  which  have 
brought  down  the  judgments  of  heaven.  And  let  the 
whole  day  be  spent  in  deep  humiliation  and  mourning 
before  Grod. 

VIII.  On  days  of  thanksgiving,  he  is  to  give  the  like 
information  respecting  the  authority  and  providences 
which  call  to  the  observance  of  them ;  and  to  spend  a 
more  than  usual  part  of  the  time  in  the  giving  of  thanks, 
agreeably  to  the  occasion,  and  in  singing  psalms  or  hymns 
of  praise. 

It  is  the  duty  of  people  on  these  days  to  rejoice  with 
holy  gladness  of  heart;  but  let  trembling  be  so  joined 
with  our  mirth,  that  no  excess  or  unbecoming  levity  be 
indulged. 


CHAPTER    XVI. 

THE  DIRECTORY  FOR  SECRET  AND  FAMILY  WORSHIP. 

I.  Besides  the  public  worship  in  congregations,  it  is 
the  indispensable  duty  of  each  person,  alone,  in  secret; 
and  of  every  family,  by  itself,  in  private,  to  pray  to,  and 
worship  God. 

II.  Secret  worship  is  most  plainly  enjoined  by  our  Lord. 
In  this  duty  every  one,  apart  by  himself,  is  to  spend  some 


94  DIRECTORY  FOR    WORSHIP. 

time  in  prayer,  reading  the  Scriptures,  holy  meditation, 
and  serious  self-examination.  The  many  advantages  aris- 
ing from  a  conscientious  discharge  of  these  duties,  are  best 
known  to  those  who  are  found  in  the  faithful  discharge 
of  them. 

III.  Family  worship,  which  ought  to  be  performed  by 
every  family,  ordinarily  morning  and  evening,  consists  in 
prayer,  reading  the  Scriptures,  and  singing  praises. 

IV.  The  head  of  the  family,  who  is  to  lead  in  this  ser- 
vice, ought  to  be  careful  that  all  the  members  of  his  house- 
hold duly  attend;  and  that  none  withdraw  themselves 
unnecessarily  from  any  part  of  family  worship ;  and  that 
all  refrain  from  their  common  business  while  the  Script- 
ures are  read,  and  gravely  attend  to  the  same,  no  less  than 
when  prayer  or  praise  is  offered  up. 

V.  Let  the  heads  of  families  be  careful  to  instruct  their 
children  and  servants  in  the  principles  of  religion.  Every 
proper  opportunity  ought  to  be  embraced  for  such  instruc- 
tion. But  we  are  of  opinion,  that  the  Sabbath  evenings, 
after  public  worship,  should  be  sacredly  preserved  for  this 
purpose.  Therefore  we  highly  disapprove  of  paying  un- 
necessary private  visits  on  the  Lord's  day;  admitting 
strangers  into  the  families,  except  when  necessity  or  char- 
ity requires  it ;  or  any  other  practices,  whatever  plausible 
pretences  may  be  offered  in  their  favor,  if  they  interfere 
with  the  above  important  and  necessary  duty*. 


COlSrSTITUTIOlSrAL  EXILES. 


[Adopted  under  the  provisions  of  the  Form  of  Government, 
Chapter  xii.,  Sect,  vi.] 


No.  1. 

(Adopted,  1893.) 
LOCAL   EVANGELISTS. 

It  shall  be  lawful  for  Presbytery,  after  proper  examina- 
tion as  to  bis  piety,  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures,  and 
ability  to  teach,  to  license,  as  a  local  evangelist,  any  male 
member  of  the  Church,  who,  in  the  judgment  of  Presby- 
tery, is  qualified  to  teach  the  Gospel  publicly,  and  who  is 
willing  to  engage  in  such  service  under  the  direction  of 
Presbytery.  Such  license  shall  be  valid  for  but  one  year 
unless  renewed,  and  such  licensed  local  evangelist  shall 
report  to  the  Presbytery  at  least  once  each  year,  and  his 
license  may  be  withdrawn  at  any  time  at  the  pleasure  of 
Presbytery.  The  person  securing  such  license  shall  not 
be  ordained  to  the  Gospel  ministry,  should  he  desire  to 
enter  it,  until  he  shall  have  served  at  least  four  years  as  a 
local  evangelist,  and  shall  have  pursued  and  been  exam- 
ined upon  what  would  be  equivalent  to  a  three  years' 
course  of  study  in  theology,  homiletics,  Church  history, 
Church  polity,  and  the  English  Bible,  under  the  direction 
of  Presbytery. 

95 


APPENDIX 


GENEEAL  RULES  FOE  JUDICATOEIES. 

ADOPTED  BY  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY  IN  1871  AND  AMENDED 
IN  1885  ANT)  1887.* 

I.  The  ^Moderator  shall  take  the  chair  precisely  at  the 
hour  to  wliich  the  judicatory  stands  adjourned;  and  shall 
immediately  call  the  members  to  order  ;  and,  on  the  appear- 
ance of  a  quorum,  shall  open  the  session  with  prayer. 

II.  If  a  quorum  be  assembled  at  the  time  appointed,  and 
the  Moderator  be  absent,  the  last  Moderator  present,  being 
a  commissioner,  or  if  there  be  none,  the  senior  member 
present,  shall  be  requested  to  take  his  place  without  de- 
lay, until  a  new  election. 

III.  If  a  quorum  be  not  assembled  at  the  hour  appoint- 
ed, any  two  members  shall  be  competent  to  adjourn  from 
time  to  time,  that  an  opportunity  may  be  given  for  a  quo- 
rum to  assemble. 

IV.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Moderator,  at  all  times, 
to  preserve  order,  and  to  endeavor  to  conduct  all  business 
before  the  judicatory  to  a  speedy  and  proper  result. 

V.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Moderator,  carefully  to 
keep  notes  of  the  several  articles  of  business  which  may 
be  assigned  for  particular  days,  and  to  call  them  up  at  the 
time  appointed. 

YI.  The  Moderator  may  speak  to  points  of  order,  in 
preference  to  other  members,  rising  from  his  seat  for  that 
purpose;  and  shall  decide  questions  "of  order,  subject  to 
an  appeal  to  the  judicatory  by  any  two  members. 

VII.  The  Moderator  shall  appoint  all  committees,  ex- 
cept in  those  cases  in  which  the  judicatory  shall  decide 

*  See  note  on  page  103. 


98        GENERAL  RULES  FOR  JUDICATORIES. 

otherwise.  In  appointing  the  standing  committees,  the 
Moderator  may  appoint  a  Vice-Moderator,  who  may  oc- 
cupy the  chair  at  his  request,  and  otherwise  assist  him 
in  the  discharge  of  his  duties. 

YIII.  When  a  vote  is  taken  by  ballot  in  any  judica- 
tory,  the  Moderator  shall  vote  with  the  other  members ; 
but  he  shall  not  vote  in  any  other  case,  unless  the  judi- 
catory be  equally  divided ;  when,  if  he  do  not  choose  to 
vote,  the  question  shall  be  lost. 

IX.  The  person  first  named  on  any  committee  shall  be 
considered  as  the  chairman  thereof,  whose  duty  it  shall  be 
to  convene  the  committee ;  and,  in  case  of  his  absence  or 
inability  to  act,  the  second  named  member  shall  take  his 
place  and  perform  his  duties. 

X.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  clerk,  as  soon  as  possible 
after  the  commencement  of  the  sessions  of  every  judica- 
tory^ to  form  a  complete  roll  of  the  members  present,  and 
put  the  same  into  the  hands  of  the  Moderator.  And  it 
shall  also  be  the  duty  of  the  clerk,  whenever  any  addi- 
tional members  take  their  seats,  to  add  their  names,  in 
their  proper  places,  to  the  said  roll. 

XI.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  clerk  immediately  to 
file  all  papers,  in  the  order  in  which  they  have  been  read, 
with  proper  indorsements,  and  to  keep  them  in  perfect 
order.  The  Stated  Clerk  shall  receive  all  overtures,  me- 
morials, and  miscellaneous  papers  addressed  to  the  judica- 
tory ;  shall  make  record  of  the  same  and  deliver  them  to 
ihe  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  for  appropriate  dis- 
position or  reference.  This  committee  shall  have  the  floor 
on  the  reassembling  of  the  judicatory  after  each  adjourn- 
ment to  report  its  recommendations  as  to  orders  of  business 
or  reference  of  papers,  and  this  right  of  the  committee  shall 
take  precedence  of  the  Orders  of  the  Day. 

XII.  The  minutes  of  the  last  meeting  of  the  judicatory 
shall  be  presented  at  the  commencement  of  its  sessions, 
and,  if  requisite,  read  and  corrected. 

XIII.  Business  left  unfinished  at  the  last  sitting  is  ordi- 
narily to  be  taken  up  first. 


GENERAL  RULES  FOR  JUDICATORIES.       99 

XIV.  A  motion  made  must  be  seconded,  and  afterwards 
repeated  by  the  Moderator,  or  read  aloud,  before  it  is  de- 
bated ;  and  every  motion  shall  be  reduced  to  writing,  if 
the  Moderator  or  any  member  require  it. 

XV.  Any  member  who  shall  have  made  a  motion,  shall 
have  liberty  to  withdraw^  it,  with  the  consent  of  his  sec- 
ond, before  any  debate  has  taken  place  thereon ;  but  not 
afterwards,  without  the  leave  of  the  judicatory. 

XVI.  If  a  motion  under  debate  contain  several  parts, 
any  two  members  may  have  it  divided,  and  a  question 
taken  on  each  part. 

XVII.  When  various  motions  are  made  with  respect 
to  the  filling  of  blanks,  with  particular  numbers  or  times, 
the  question  shall  always  be  first  taken  on  the  highest 
number  and  the  longest  time. 

XVIII.  Motions  to  lay  on  the  table,  to  take  up  busi- 
ness, to  adjourn,  and  the  call  for  the  previous  question, 
shall  be  put  without  debate.  On  questions  of  order,  post- 
ponement, or  commitment,  no  member  shall  speak  more 
than  once.  On  all  other  questions,  each  member  may 
speak  twice,  but  not  oftener,  without  express  leave  of 
the  judicatory. 

XIX.  When  a  question  is  under  debate,  no  motion  shall 
be  received,  unless  to  adjourn,  to  lay  on  the  table,  to  post- 
pone indefinitely,  to  postpone  to  a  day  certain,  to  commit, 
or  to  amend  ;  which  several  motions  shall  have  precedence 
in  the  order  in  which  they  are  herein  arranged ;  and  the 
motion  for  adjournment  shall  always  be  in  order. 

XX.  An  amendment,  and  also  an  amendment  to  an 
amendment,  may  be  moved  on  any  motion ;  but  a  mo- 
tion, to  amend  an  amendment  to  an  amendment,  shall 
not  be  in  order.  Action  on  amendments  shall  precede 
action  on  the  original  motion.  A  substitute  shall  be 
treated  as  an  amendment. 

XXI.  A  distinction  shall  be  observed  between  a  mo- 
tion to  lay  on  the  table  for  the  present,  and  a  motion  to  lay 
on  the  table  unconditionalli/,  viz. :  A  motion  to  lay  on  the 
table,  for  the  present,  shall  be  taken  without  debate ;  and, 


]00     GENERAL  RULES  FOR  JUDICATORIES, 

if  carried  in  the  affirmative,  tlie  effect  shall  be  to  placi 
the  subject  on  the  docket,  and  it  may  be  taken  up  and 
considered  at  any  subsequent  time.  But  a  motion  to  lay 
on  the  table,  wicondltionaUy,  shall  be  taken  without  de- 
bate;  and,  if  carried  in  the  affirmative,  it  shall  not  be  in 
order  to  take  up  the  subject  during  the  same  meeting  of 
the  judicatory,  without  a  vote  of  reconsideration. 

XXII.  The  previous  question  shall  be  put  in  this  form, 
namely,  Shall  the  main  question  be  now  put?  It  shall 
only  be  admitted  when  demanded  by  a  majority  of  the 
members  present;  and  the  effect  shall  be  to  put  an  end 
to  all  debate  and  bring  the  body  to  a  direct  vote :  First, 
on  a  motion  to  commit  the  subject  under  consideration 
(if  such  motion  shall  have  been  made) ;  secondly,  if  the 
motion  for  commitment  does  not  prevail,  on  pending 
amendments;  and  lastly,  on  the  main  question. 

XXIII.  A  question  shall  not  be  again  called  up  or 
reconsidered  at  the  same  sessions  of  the  judicatory  at 
which  it  has  been  decided,  unless  by  the  consent  of  two- 
thirds  of  the  members  who  were  present  at  the  decision ; 
and  unless  the  motion  to  reconsider  be  made  and  sec- 
onded, by  persons  who  voted  with  the  majority. 

XXIV.  A  subject  which  has  been  indefinitely  post- 
poned, either  by  the  operation  of  the  previous  question, 
or  by  a  motion  for  indefinite  postponement,  shall  not  be 
again  called  up  during  the  same  sessions  of  the  judicatory, 
unless  by  the  consent  of  three-fourths  of  the  members 
who  were  present  at  the  decision. 

XXV.  Members  ought  not,  without  weighty  reasons, 
to  decline  voting,  as  this  practice  might  leave  the  decis- 
ion of  very  interesting  questions  to  a  small  proportion  of 
the  judicatory.  Silent  members,  unless  excused  from  vot- 
ing, must  be  considered  as  acquiescing  with  the  majority. 

XXVI.  When  the  Moderator  has  commenced  taking 
the  vote,  no  further  debate  or  remark  shall  be  admitted 
unless  there  has  evidently  been  a  mistake,  in  which  cast 
the  mistake  shall  be  rectified,  and  the  Moderator  shal 
recommence  taking  the  vote.     If  the  house  shall  pass  th« 


GENERAL  RULES  FOR  JUDICATORIES.     101 

motion  to  ''  vote  on  a  given  subject  at  a  time  named," 
speeches  shall  thereafter  be  limited  to  ten  minutes.  Should 
the  hour  for  adjournment  or  recess  arrive  during  the  voting, 
it  shall  be  postponed  to  finish  the  vote,  unless  tiie  majority- 
shall  vote  to  adjourn ;  in  which  case  the  voting  shall  on 
the  reassembling  of  the  house  take  precedence  of  all  other 
business  till  it  is  finished.  Under  this  rule  "  the  yeas  and 
nays "  shall  not  be  called  except  on  the  final  motion  to 
adopt  as  a  whole.  This  motion  to  fix  a  time  for  voting 
shall  be  put  without  debate. 

XXVII.  The  yeas  and  nays  on  any  question  shall  not 
be  recorded,  unless  required  by  one-third  of  the  members 
present.  If  division  is  called  for  on  any  vote,  it  shall  be 
by  a  rising  vote  without  a  count.  If  on  such  a  rising  vote 
the  Moderator  is  unable  to  decide,  or  a  quorum  rise  to 
second  a  call  for  *'  tellers,"  then  the  vote  sliall  be  taken 
by  rising,  and  the  count  made  by  tellers,  who  shall  pass 
through  the  aisles  and  report  to  the  Moderator  the  num- 
ber voting  on  each  side. 

XXVIII.  No  member,  in  the  course  of  debate,  shall 
be  allowed  to  indulge  in  personal  reflections. 

XXIX.  If  more  than  one  member  rise  to  speak  at  the 
same  time,  the  member  who  is  most  distant  from  the  Mod- 
erator's chair  shall  speak  first.  In  the  discussion  of  all 
matters  where  the  sentiment  of  the  house  is  divided,  it  is 
proper  that  the  floor  shoukl  be  occupied  alternately  by 
those  representing  the  different  sides  of  the  question. 

XXX.  When  more  than  three  members  of  the  judica- 
tory shall  be  standing  at  the  same  time,  the  Moderator 
shall  require  all  to  take  their  seats,  the  person  only  ex- 
cepted who  may  be  speaking. 

XXXI.  Every  member,  when  speaking,  shall  address 
himself  to  the  Moderator,  and  shall  treat  his  fellow- 
members,  and  especially  the  Moderator,  with  decorum 
and  respect. 

XXXII.  No  speaker  shall  be  interrupted,  unless  he  be 
out  of  order ;  or  for  the  purpose  of  correcting  mistakes, 
or  misrepresentations. 


102     GENERAL  RULES  FOR  JUDICATORIES. 

XXXIII.  Without  express  permission,  no  member  of 
a  judicatory,  while  business  is  going  on,  shall  engage  in 
private  conversation ;  nor  shall  members  address  one  an- 
other, nor  any  person  present,  but  through  the  Moderator. 

XXXIV.  It  is  indispensable,  that  members  of  eccle- 
siastical judicatories  maintain  great  gravity  and  dignity 
while  judicially  convened ;  that  they  attend  closely  in 
their  speeches  to  the  subject  under  consideration,  and 
avoid  prolix  and  desultory  harangues;  and,  when  they 
deviate  from  the  subject,  it  is  the  privilege  of  any  mem- 
ber, and  the  duty  of  the  Moderator,  to  call  them  to  order. 

XXXV.  If  any  member  act,  in  any  respect,  in  a  disor- 
derly manner,  it  shall  be  the  privilege  of  any  member, 
and  the  duty  of  the  Moderator,  to  call  him  to  order. 

XXXVI.  If  any  member  consider  himself  aggrieved 
by  a  decision  of  the  Moderator,  it  shall  be  his  privilege 
to  appeal  to  the  judicatory,  and  the  question  on  the  ap- 
peal shall  be  taken  without  debate. 

XXXVII.  No  member  shall  retire  from  any  judicatory 
without  the  leave  of  the  Moderator,  nor  withdraw  from 
it  to  return  home  without  the  consent  of  the  judicatory. 

XXXVIII.  All  judicatories  have  a  right  to  sit  in  pri- 
vate, on  business,  which  in  their  judgment  ought  not  to 
be  matter  of  public  speculation. 

XXXIX.  Besides  the  right  to  sit  judicially  in  private, 
whenever  they  think  proper  to  do  so,  all  judicatories  liave 
a  right  to  hold  what  are  commonly  called  "interlocutory 
meetings,"  in  which  members  may  freely  converse  to- 
gether, without  the  formalities  which  are  usually  nece.s- 
sary  in  judicial  proceedings. 

XL.  Whenever  a  judicatory  is  about  to  sit  in  a  judicial 
capacity,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Moderator  solemnly 
to  announce,  from  the  chair,  that  the  body  is  about  to 
pass  to  the  consideration  of  the  business  assigned  for  trial, 
and  to  enjoin  on  the  members  to  recollect  and  regard 
their  high  character  as  judges  of  a  court  of  Jesus  Christ, 
and  the  solemn  duty  in  which  they  are  about  to  act. 

XLI.  In  all  cases  before  a  judicatory,  wliere  there  is  an 


GENERAL  RULES  FOR  JUDICATORIES.     103 

accuser  or  prosecutor,  it  is  expedient  that  there  be  a  com- 
mittee of  the  judicatory  appointed  (provided  the  number 
of  members  be  sufficient  to  admit  it  without  inconve- 
nience), who  shaH  be  called  the  "  Judicial  Committee," 
and  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  digest  and  arrange  all  the 
papers,  and  to  prescribe,  under  the  direction  of  the  judi- 
catory, the  whole  order  of  proceedings.  The  members  of 
this  committee  shall  be  entitled,  notwithstanding  their 
performance  of  this  duty,  to  sit  and  vote  in  the  cause,  as 
members  of  the  judicatory. 

XLII.  But  in  cases  of  process  on  the  ground  of  general 
rumor,  where  there  is,  of  course,  no  particular  accuser, 
there  may  be  a  committee  appointed  (if  convenient),  who 
shall  be  called  the  "  Committee  of  Prosecution,"  and  who 
shall  conduct  the  whole  course  on  the  part  of  the  prose- 
cution. The  members  of  this  committee  shall  not  be  per- 
mitted to  sit  in  judgment  in  the  case. 

XLIII.  The  permanent  officers  of  a  judicatory  shall 
have  the  rights  of  corresponding  members  in  matters 
touching  their  several  offices. 

XLIV.  The  Moderator  of  every  judicatory  above  the 
Church  Session,  in  finally  closing  its  sessions,  in  addition 
to  prayer,  may  cause  to  be  sung,  an  appropriate  psalm  oi- 
hymn,  and  shall  pronounce  the  apostolical  benediction. 


Note.— The  preceding  "General  Rules  for  Judicatories,"  not  havinR 
been  submitted  to  the  presbyteries,  make  no  part  of  the  Constitutinn 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Yet  the  General  Assembly  of  1871,  con- 
sidering uniformity  in  proceedings  in  all  the  subordinate  judicatories 
as  greatly  conducive  to  order  and  despatch  in  business,  having  revised 
and  approved  these  rules,  recommended  them  to  all  the  lower  judica- 
tories of  the  Church  for  adoption. 


SUPPLEMENTARY  INDEX 

TO  BOOK  OF  DISCIPLINE  AND  CHAPTER  XI. 
OF  THE  DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP. 


[Figures,  thus  (2>;),  refer  to  sections  of  Book  of  Discipline,  and  thus  (II.), 
to  sections  of  Chap.  XI.  Dir.  for  Worship.] 


ABSENTEES,  names  to  be  noted, 

28. 
roll  of,  49. 

certificate  of  dismission  of.  116. 
Accusation;>,  caution  concerning,  13. 
.Accused  person,  private  conference 

■K-ith.  'J. 
copy  of  charges  for,  19. 
refusal  lo  obey  citation,  21. 
time  tor  appearance,  21. 
non-appearance  of,  21. 
counsel  for,  21,  22.  26. 
notice    of    examination    of    wit- 

nes.ses,  2-3. 
mav   be  kept  from    communion, 

32. 
non-exercise  of  office  by,  32. 
suspension  for  contumacy,  33. 
cited  twice  if  necessary,  21,  33. 
self,  action  in  case  of,  47. 
Admonition.  34.  40. 

suspended  by  appeal,  100. 
Aflirraation,  how  administered,  61. 
Appeal,  from  decision  of  Moderator, 

27. 
quesiioii  on  without  debate,  27. 
to  be  recorded  if  desired,  27. 
Appeals,  entry  on  minutes,  24. 
record  to  be  transmitted.  24. 
in  cases  without  process,  47. 
new  evidence  during  prosecution 

of.  69. 
and  complaints  consolidated,  93. 
definition  of  94. 
in  general,  94-102. 
parties  in,  94. 
grounds  of,  9,5. 
notice  of,  when  and  how  given, 

96. 
specification  of  errors,  96,  99. 
records    in,   lodgment    of,   96,   97, 

101. 

104 


'  Appeals,  time  of  lodgment  of,  97. 
I      counsel  in,  97. 

abandonment  of,  97. 
,      parties  may  not  vote,  98. 
I       vote  in,  99  (.5). 

judgment  in,  99  (5). 
;      new  trial  in,  99  (5). 

entertainment  of,  99. 
I      order  of  proceedings  in,  99. 
i      minute,explanatorv  of  judgment, 

99(5). 
i      effect  of,  upon  judgment,  100. 
!      ordinarily  taken   to  next  higher 

judicatory,  102. 
I  Appellant,  name  given,  94. 
!      time  of  appearance,  97. 
i      counsel  for.  97. 
I      must  lodge  appeal,  97. 

abandoning  appeal,  97. 
i      mav  not  vote,  98 
:      hearing  of,  99  (2). 
I  Appellee,  94. 

i  BAPTIZED  children  as  church- 
members,  5. 

j  included  in  certificates  of  dismis- 
sion. 114. 

i  Baptized  persons  all  church-mem- 
bers, 5. 

CANDIDATE,  certificate  of  dismis- 
sion, how  long  valid,  115. 
muit  be  reported,  11.5. 
Cases  with  process,   general   rules, 
18-32. 
before  session,  33-3.5. 
betbre  presbytery,  36-46. 
■without  process,  47-53. 
delay  in,  47. 

judgment  and  record  in.  47. 
(ensures,  infliction  and  removal  of, 
.30. 


SUPPLEMENTARY  INDEX. 


105 


Censures,  by  session,  names  of,  34. 

in  case  of  ministers.  40. 

cautions  with  regard  to,  41. 

of  witness  lor  contumacy,  r.T. 

of  records,  how  to  be  recorded,  74. 

for  faihire  to  send  up  records  in 
complaints,  92. 
appeals,  101. 

design  of,  1. 

manner  of,  I. 
1      .>:entence  in.  form  of,  II..  VI.,  VIII. 

may  be  public.  II.,  V.,  A'lII. 

mode  of  indicting.  II.,  V].,  VIII. 
Certificates  of  dismission,   church- 
members,  luy. 

ministers.  44,  51,  110,  111. 

extinct  church,  112. 

extinct  presbytery,  113. 

time  limit,  church-member,  114. 
ministers,  115. 
Charges,  in  general,  15-17. 

entry  on  minutes,  24. 

reading  of.  19. 

copy  of,  for  accused,  19. 

objections  to,  22. 

amendments  to,  22. 

refusal  to  answer,  33. 

when  proved  by  one  witness,  58. 

proof  of  specilicaiions,  58. 
Children     baptized.  —  See   Baptized 

Vhihlren. 
Church,  proceedings    of,  report   to 
sessinn,  71. 

review  by  session,  71. 

on  records  of  session,  71. 
(  hiirch  extinct,  members  of,  status 
of,  ITJ. 

cases  of  discipline  in.  112. 
(  luiroh-members.  who  are,  5. 

suspended,  roll  of,  49. 

iuri.'^diction  over.  108.  109. 

dismissed,  status  of,  109. 

removals  of,  114. 

must   have  certificate  of  dismis- 
sion, 114. 

bnptized    children   of,  dismissed, 
114. 

certificate  nf,  bow  long  valid,  114. 

reception  to  be  reported,  114. 

absentee,  49,  116. 

suspended,  conduct  towards,  III. 
-suspended,  repentance  of,  IV. 

suspended  and  unrepentant,  V. 

excommunication  of,  VI. 

restoration  ot,  IV.,  VII.— See,  also, 
L'lmimunicants. 
Citations,  issuing  of,  19. 

service  of,  20. 

refusal  to  obev,  21. 

second,  21.  .33.' 38. 

third,  of  ministers,  38. 
rjerk.  to  .sign  citations,  19. 


Clerk,  authenticate  records,  63. 
receive  testimony.  65 
action  of.  in  complaints,  84,  86 
action  of,  in  appeals  W. 
Commissions  to  lake  testimony,  65. 
how  ajipointed,  65. 
rules  tor,  65. 
competency  of   testimony  before, 

65. 
transmission  of  testimony  before. 
65. 
Commissions,    Judicial.— See    Jv<n- 

cial. 
Communicr.nts,  withdrawal  of,  not 
under  charges.  4S. 
absent  without  certificate,  49. 
separate  roll  of  absentee,  49. 
in  neglect  of  church  ordinances, 

5(1. 
joining  other  denominations,  52. 
Complainant,  name  given,  89. 
hearing  of,  87. 
must  lodge  complaint,  ?6. 
may  not  vote,  90. 
may  appeal,  91. 
I  Complaint,  definition  of,  83. 
!      notice  of,  when  and  how  given, 
I  84. 

I      time    of   lodgment    with    higher 
judicatory.  84,  86. 
eft'ect  of.  in  cases  non-judicial,  85, 
order  of  proceedings  "belore  judi- 
catory, ST. 
in  judicial  cases,  order  of  proceed- 
ings, 87. 
etfect  of,  if  sustained,  88. 
parties  to,  89. 
counsel  in,  89. 
parties  may  not  vote.  90. 
parties  may  appeal.  91. 
record >  in  "case  of.  to  be  sent  up, 

84,  92. 
pppeal  and.  consolidated,  93. 
Control,  review  and,  7i>-76. 
Contumacy,  21. 
in  cases  before  sessions,  33. 
of  ministers,  38. 
of  witnesses,  67. 
Corrupt    practices,    neglect    of,    by 

judicatory,  76. 
Counsel,  in  absence  of  accused,  21, 
22. 
for  either  party,  26.  II. 
must  be  members  of  judicatory,  26. 
may  not  vote  or  judge,  26. 
in  appeals,  97,  II. 

DEACONS,  general  rules  for  trial 

of,  46. 
tried  by  session,  46. 
lose  ofiice  in  particular  church  by 

dismission,  109. 


106 


SUPPLEMENTARY  INDEX. 


Decision. — See  Judicial  Decision. 
Demission  of  ministry,  51. 
Deposition,  iA,  4U. 

cautions  in  cases  of,  41. 

restoration  after,  4:5. 
Di.scipiine  in  general,  1-5. 

detiniiion  of,  1. 

ends  of,  1. 

Jaw  of  4. 

subjects  of,  3.  5. 

cases    of,  before   extinct  session, 
112. 

before  extinct  Presbytery,  li:'>. 
Dismission. — See   Certificates  of  Dis- 
mission. 
Dismission,  jurisdiction  in  cases  of, 

iu8-n;i 
Dissent,  in  general,  103-107. 

definition^  of,  103. 

fonn  of,  10.5. 

entry  on  records,  105. 

who  may  enter,  107. 

ELDERS,  jurisdiction  over,  18. 

general  rules  for  trial  of,  4fi. 

lo-e  ottice  in  particular  churches 
by  dismission,  109. 
Errors,  to  be  carefully  considered,  41. 
*:viiience.  introduction  of,  23,  54-6y. 

in  rebuttal,  23. 

new,  23. 

filing  of,  24. 

questions  of,  how  decided,  27. 

care  in  receiving,  54. 

kinds  of,  58. 

records  of  judicatory  as,  63. 

te.siimony  "  before    other    judica- 
tories as,  04. 

new,  after  trial,  68. 

new.  during  prosecution   of   ap- 
peal, 09. 
Exceptions  during  trial,  25. 
ExcoiDinunication,    bv    whom    in- 
flicted. 34,  40. 

not  without  process,  50. 

design  of.  V. 

time-limit  before  (ordinarily),  V. 

execution  of  judgment,  VI. 

publication  of,  VI. 

omission  of  publication  of,  VI. 

form  of,  VI. 

restoration  from,  VII. 

GENERAL  ASSEMBLY,  ministers 
in  trans.,  relation  to  basis  of,  1 10. 

HERESY,  may  call  for  deposition, 
41. 
neglect  of,  by  judicatory,  76. 

INFIRMITY,  acts  of,  41. 
Investigations,  to  be  ?peedy,  32,  4"). 


1  JUDGMENT,  entering  of,  23. 
I      entry  on  minutes,  24. 

trausmis.sion   to    original  jadica- 
I         tory.  29. 

i      in  ca.ses  without  process,  47. 
i      in  appeals,  99,  loo. 
;  Judicatories,    original    jurisdiction 
of.  1.^. 

first  meeting  of,  in  process,  19. 

objections  to,  22. 

private  session  of,  23,  31. 

minutes  ot,  24. 

when  may  sit  with  closed  doors  -il 

ministers  deposed,  restoration  of, 
43. 

power  of,  in  cases  without  process, 

!        ^'• 

I      offence  in  presence  of  -i<. 

I      may  decide   competency  of   wit- 

i         nesses,  oo. 

I      records  of,  as  evidence,  63. 

I      testimony     before,    as     evidence" 

i  before  others,  04. 

may  appoint  commission  to  take 

testimony,  05. 
members    of,  may  be    witnesses, 
!  66. 

!      neglect  of  duty  by,  76. 
may  answer  protests,  106. 
Judicatory,    Higher,    power    over 
lower': 
in  neglect  of  process,  18. 
in  review,  71;  complaint,  83;  ap- 
peal, 94. 
in  irregular  proceedings,  74. 
in   unconstitutional   proceedings, 
i  75. 

in  neglect  of  duty,  76. 
pending  production  of  record,  *.<:' 
Judicatory,  Lower,  unconstitutional 
proceedings,  75. 
neglect  of  duty,  76. 
obli'^ed  to  send  records,  71,  92. 
action    upon  judgment  of,  in  ap- 
peals. 9'J. 
Judicial  cases,  complaint  in. '87. 
decision,  not  to  be  reversed  unless 

regularly  taken  up,  74. 
miv  be  submitted  to  conimi.«siou, 
flS. 
Judicial    commission,  may  be    ap- 
pointed, 118. 
bv  Assembly,  Synod,  and  Presby- 

"tery,  118. 
nurali-r  of  members,  118. 
decisions  of,  119. 
review  of  decisions  of,  119. 
time  and  place  of  sitting,  120. 
findings  to  be  ent&red  on  minutes, 
lis. 
Jurisdiction,  in  process,  18. 
objections  to,  22. 


S  UPPLEMENTA  R  Y  INDEX. 


107 


Jurisdiction,  over  church-members, 
108,  109. 
over  ministers,  108, 110. 

LICENTIATE,  certificate  of  dismis- 
sion, how  lone;  valid,  115. 
must  be  reported,  115. 

Limitations  of  time,  114-117. 

MEMBERS.— See  Church-Members. 
Ministers,  jurisdiction  over,  18. 

general  rules  for  trial  of,  36—15. 

charges     against,     to      be     -well 
weighed,  36. 

offences    of,    outside    bounds    of 
home  presbyterj",  37. 

counsel  for,  :^>8. 

third  citation  of,  38. 

contumacy  of.  38. 

suspension  of,  from  communion, 
38,  40. 

from  othce,  38,  40. 

censures  to  be  inflicted  on.  40. 

suspension  of,  followed  by  deposi- 
tion, 40. 

complaints  against,  for  slight  of- 
fences. 42. 

restoration    of.    from    deposition, 
personal  conditions,  43. 
duty  of  presbytery,  43 

deposition  of.  if  pastors,  44. 

suspension  of,  if  pastors,  44. 

pulpits  declared  vacant,  44. 

letter  for  deposed,  44. 

accused,  to  refrain  from  exercise 
of  office,  45. 

demission  of.  51. 

abandoning  the  ministry,  53. 

becoming  independent,  53, 

j' lining  other  denominations,  53. 

joining  heretical  denominations, 
53. 

jurisdiction  over,  18,  108. 

dismissed,  jurisdiction  over,  110. 
status  of,  110. 

in  transitu,  110. 

certificates  of   dismission   of,  44, 
51,  110,111. 

must  specify  particular  body.  111. 

certificates,  how  long  valid,  115. 

reception  to  be  reported,  115. 

dutv  in  excommunications,  VI. 
Minutes  of  judicatory,  24,  71-76. 
Moderator  to  decide   questions  of 
order  and  evidence,  27. 

to  sign  citations,  19. 

to  authenticate  records,  63. 

to  receive  complaints,  84. 

to  receive  appeals,  96. 

OATH,  how  administered,  61. 
Objections  in  process,  22. 


Ofl'ences.  definition  of,  3. 

to  be  set  forth  by  charge.  15. 

in  presence  ol  judicatory,  47. 

in  case  of  self-accused  persons,  47. 

of  ministers,  30. 

jurisdiction  in.  18,  108. 

limit  of  time  lor  prosecution  of, 
117. 
Order,  questions  concerning,  27. 

ot  proceedings,  objections  to,  22. 

PARTIES,  injured,  as  prosecutors,  8. 
original,  in'prosecution,  10. 
heard  on  objections,  22. 
may  introduce  new  witnesses,  23. 
excluded  from  private  session,  23. 
may  take  excejitions.  25. 
may  have  counsel.  26. 
consent  of,  to  voting  of  absentees, 

28. 
copies  of  record  for,  29. 
as  witnesses,  o">. 

relatioushi]>  to.  may  afi"ect  cred- 
ibility ot  witnesses,  56. 
how  examine  witnesses.  60. 
may  have  questions  recorded,  62. 
may    ask    commission     to    take 

evidence,  65. 
consent  of,  for  new  evidence,  69. 
hearing  of,  in  coni()laints,  87. 
names  of,  in  complaints,  89. 
;      may  not  vote  in  complaints,  90. 
I      may  appeal  in  complaints,  91. 
may  not  vote  in  appeals,  98. 
hearing  ot,  in  appeals,  99. 
:  Pastors. — See  Minixterx. 
■  Personal  injurv,  conditions  in  cases 

of,  8,  17. 
I  Pleas,  22. 

j      entry  on  minutes,  24. 
I  Prayer,  for  suspended  members,  III. 
for  excommunicated  persons,  VI. 
1  Presbvterv,  jurisdiction  of,  in  pro- 
i  ce'ss,  18,  108. 

duty  towards  ministers,  36. 
duty  towards  other  presbyteries 
in  cases  of  accused  ministers,  37. 
duty  of,  in  restoration  of  deposed 
'  ministers.  43. 

duty  to  ministers  deposed  without 
excommunication,  44. 
1      proceedings  subject  to  review,  70. 
i      jurisdiction    of,    over    dismissed 

ministers,  110. 
1      jurisdiction  over  members  of  ex- 
tinct church.  112. 
over  cases  of  discipline  of  extinct 

church,  112. 
extinct,  status  of  members  of,  113. 
Private  session,  23,  31. 
Proceedings,  irregular,  must  be  cor- 
rected, 74. 


108 


SUPPLEMENTARY  INDEX. 


Proceedinss, unconstitutional  action 

of    judicatoi  y  in.  To. 
Process^  judicial  object  of,  4. 

parties  in  cases  of,  (i-l-l. 

general  rules,  18-32. 

neglect  of,  by  lower  judicatory, 

objections  to  order  of,  22 

Process,  Cases  without,  47-53. 
delay  in.  47. 
jiwUnnent  and  record  in,  47. 

Pro-ecution.  unavailing,  7. 
conditions  of,  individuals,  8. 

ju.licatories,  9. 
initiation  of.  by  judicatories,  10. 
committee  of,  11. 
limit  of  time  for.  117. 

Prosecutor  (personal;,  warning  to, 
14.  i 

Protest,  in  general,  103-107.  ; 

definition  of,  104.  i 

form  of.  10.5.  • 

entry  of.  on  records,  105.  i 

answer  to,  106.  i 

modification  of,  106.        •  I 

who  may  enter,  107.  I 

QUESTIONS,    of    order    and    ev- 
idence, 27. 
irrelevant  or  frivolous,  60,  Go. 
leading,  60. 
to  be  recorded  if  required,  62. 

REBUKE,  34.40. 

suspended  by  appeal,  100. 
Record  ot  the  case,  what  it  is,  24. 
transmission  to  higher  judicatory,  ■ 
24.  29. 
Records,  nothing   else  to    be  con- 
sidered, 24. 
copies  for  parties,  29. 
of  proceedings  in  case  of  refer- 
ence, S2. 
to  be  read  in  complaints.  87. 
to  be  read  in  appeals,  99  (1). 
of  session.  71. 

how  often  to  be  reviewed,  71. 
omission  to  send  up,  71. 
of  lower  judicatory,   required  to 

he  produced,  71. 
members  of  judicatory  not  to  vote 

on  reviewof,  73. 
in  case  of  complaint  must  be  sent 

up,  92. 
in  appeal  must  be  sent  up,  101. 
deference  in  general,  77-82. 
definition,  77. 
subje'  ts  of,  78. 
object  of,  79. 
etiect  of,  upon  cases.  79. 
members  of  lower  judicatory  may 
vote,  80. 


Reference,  judgment  in  case  of,  not 
nfcfssniily Jinal,  81. 
record  of  proceedings  in,  82. 
Removals,  114-116. 
Respondent.  89. 

liestoration  of  church-members,  IV., 
YII. 
deposed  ministers,  43. 
Review  and  control,  general,  70-76. 
frequency  of,  71. 
right  of,  70. 

order  of  proceedings  in,  72. 
members  of  judicatory  not  to  vote 

on,  73. 
censure  to  be  recorded,  and  how, 

74. 
irregular  proceedings  must  be  cor- 
rected, 74-76. 
Roll  of  absentee  members,  49. 

suspended  members,  49. 
Roli-call  of  judicatory  in  trial,  28. 

SCHISM   mav  call  for  deposition, 

41. 
Self-accused  person,  case  of.  47. 
Sentence,  form  of,  in    suspension, 
II. 
in  excommunications,  VI. 
in  restoration,  IV.,  VII. 
publication  of.  3-5,  II.,  VI. 
Session,  jurisdiction  of,  in  process, 
18,  iU8. 
censures  by,  names  of.  34. 
special  rules  for  cases  before,  33- 

35. 
cases  without  process,  47-50,  52. 
proceedings  subject  to  review,  70. 
report  of  church  proceedings  to, 

71. 
records  of,  to  include  church  pro- 
ceedings, 71. 
review  of  church  proceedings  by, 

71. 
jurisdiction    of,    over    dismissed 

members,  109. 
of  extinct  church,  case  of  disci- 
pline, 112. 
Slander,  investigation  of,  12. 

record  may  conclude,  12. 
Specifications,  15-17. 
reading  of,  19. 
copy  of  for  accused,  19. 
objections  to,  22. 
amendments  to,  22. 
entry  on  minutes,  24. 
.      proof   of   two   (each   having   one 
j  witness)  may  prove  charge,  58. 

I  Suspended    members. — See  Church- 
I  3Ievihers. 

Suspension.  .3.3,  34,  38,  40,50. 
may  be  public,  II. 
,  Synod,  proceedings  of,  review  of,  70 


SUPPLEMENTARY  INDEX. 


109 


Bvnod,  jurisdiction   of.  over  mem- 
bers of  extinct  presbytery,  lli!. 
jurisdiction   over  casts  of  disci- 
pliue  in  extinct  presbytery,  li;i 

TESTIMONY,  reception  of,  o4. 
records  of  judicatories,  sutiicient, 

before  a  judicatory   as    evidence 

before  anotiier,  G4. 
commissioners  to  take,  Cw. 
record  of,  before  commission,  65. 
of  member  of  judicatory,  66. 
new,  in  appeals,  69. 
improper,  9"). 

fee  also  Evidence  and  Wi'Messes. 
Time,  limitations  of,  114-117. 
Triads,  order  of  procedure,  19,  22, 

2;i 
to  be  speedy,  32,  45. 
new,  cs,  69. 
new,  in  appeals,  99 

VOTE,  on  several  charges,  16. 

qualifications  for.  28. 

persons  under  process  may  be  de- 
barred, 39. 

member  of  judicatory  under  re- 
view not  to,  73. 


Vote,  meml)er  of  judicatory  may  on 
reference,  Si). 
partie.^  i)  cumplaim  may  not,  90. 
parties  in  appeals  may  not,  98. 
in  appeals,  99  (5;. 

WITNESSES,  names  of.  in  specifi- 
cations, 15. 

names  of,  given  to  accused,  19. 

citations  for,  19. 

accused  not  required  to  disclose 
names  of.  19. 

time  allowed  for  appearance  of,  21. 

examination  of,  2'6. 

new.  2.3. 

competent,  54,  55. 

incompetent.  55. 

credibility  of,  54,  56. 

husband  or  wife  as.  57. 

charges  proved  by  one.  circum- 
stances under  which.  .^S 

presence  of.  during  testimony,  59. 

how  to  be  examined,  60. 

oath  or  affirmation  of,  61. 

questions  to,  record  of,  62. 

answers  of.  record  of,  62. 

commission  to  examine,  65, 

members  of  judicatory  may  be,  66. 

contumacy  of,  67. 


GENERAL  INDEX. 


[For  Supplementary  Index  to  Book  of  Discipline  and  Chapter  XI., 
Directory  for  Worship,  see  page  lOi.J 


A. 
Amendments  of  the  Constitu- 
tion. 43. 
to  motions,  99. 
Appeals  on  points  of  order,  52, 
97.  102. 
to  superior  judicatories,  64. 
Assembly.  General,  of  the,  21. 
mode  of  dissolving,  23. 
representation  in,  21,  68. 
commissioners  to,  22,  42. 


B. 

Baptism,  of  the  administration 

of,  78. 
Bishops  or  pastors,  of,  8. 
collegiate,  13,  14. 
election  and  ordination    of, 

30. 
instalment,  32,  37. 
resignation,  38. 


Call,  form  of  a,  31. 
how  subscribed,  31. 
how  to  prosecute  a.  32. 
Candidates,  of  licensing,  26. 
Certificates  of   dismission,   67, 

68,  69. 
Charges,  judicial,  49. 
Children  of  believers,  7,  47,  69, 
83. 

110 


Church,  of  the,  6. 
collegiate,  16. 
censures,  53,  84.     , 
i      extinct,  68. 
i      oflScers  of  the,  7. 

ordinances  in  a  particular,  10. 
worship  in  a  va,cant,  41. 
'  Church  Government,  of,  12. 
Church-members,  who  are,  6, 4"/. 
reception  of,  14,  15,  83. 
jurisdiction  over,  14,  49,  67. 
I      dismission  of,  67.  68,  69. 
j      roll  of  absentee,  56. 
I      suspension,   etc.,   53,   56,   57. 
I  84. 

!      restoration  of,  85,  86. 
Clerks,  of,  18,  41,  98,  103. 
Collegiate  church,  16. 

pastors,  13,  14. 
Commissioners  to  the  General 
I  Assembly,  21,22,  42. 

I  Committees,  97,  98. 
I  Complaints,  63. 
Congregations,    vacant,  assem- 
bling for  worship,  41. 
Constitutional    powers,     Rules 

regulative  of.  22. 
Constitutional  Rule,  95. 
Corresponding  members,  19,  20, 

103. 
Counsel,  52,  53,  54,  65. 


D. 


Deacons,  of,  10. 


GENERAL    INDEX. 


Ill 


Deacons,  of  electing  aud  orclain- 
iuR,  23. 

trials  of.  55. 
Dead,  of  the  burial  of  the,  91. 
Discipline,  Book  of,  46. 

general  principles  of,  46. 

supplementary  index  to,  104. 
Dismission,  jurisdiction  in,  67. 
Dissents,  67. 
Division  in  voting,  101. 

E. 

Elders,  ruling,  of,  9. 

of  electing  and  ordaining,  23. 

trials  of.  55. 
Evangelists,  Local,  95. 
Evidence,  52,  58. 
Excommunication,  of.  53, 55,  85. 


Familv  worship.  Directory  for, 

93. 
Fasting,  of  the  observation  of 

the  days  of,  92, 

G- 

Government,  form  of,  3. 
preliminary  principles  of,  3. 


Instalment  of  pastor.  32,  37. 
Interlocutory  meetings,  102. 


Judicatories,   church,  the  sev- 
eral kinds  of,  12. 

closing  services,  103. 

differences  between,  70. 

general  rules  for,  97. 

judicial  sessions,  102. 

jurisdiction  of.  49.  67. 

private  sessions,  53,  102. 

prosecution  by,  47,  48. 
Judicial  Commissions,  20. 22, 69, 
Judicial  Committee,  102, 103. 


Licensure,  form  of,  28. 


Limitation  of  time  In  dismis- 
sions, 68,  69. 

Local  Evangelists,  95. 

Lord's  Day.  of  the  sanctifica- 
tion  of  the,  71. 

Lord's  Supper,  of  the  adminis- 
j         tration  of  the,  80. 

M. 
Marriage,  of  the  solemnization 

of,  87. 
Members,  corresponding,  19,  20, 

103. 
Minister,  of  the  translation  of, 
36. 
trial  of,  54,  57. 
See,  also.  Bishops. 
Ministrv,  demission  of  the,  57. 
Missions,  of,  39. 

Moderators,  of.  40.  50,  52,  59,  63, 
65.  97-99,  100-103. 
how  to  be  chosen,  40. 
Moderators,  ministers,  perpetu- 
al, of  church  sessions,  14. 
of  presbyteries,  synods,  and 
I  the  General  Assembly,  40. 

I  Motions,  99-101. 


1  Oath,  59. 
i  Offences.  46. 
OflScers  of  the  Church,  7. 
;  Ordinances    in     a     particular 
i  church,  10. 

}  Ordination,  trials  for,  of  a  min- 
!         ister,  32. 
I      mode  of,  33-35. 

questions  proposed  at,  33. 


Pastoral  charge,  resignation  of 
I         a,  38. 

!  Pastors.     See  Bishops. 
I  Postponement.  100. 
i  Prayer,  of  public,  74. 
;  Preaching,  of.  77. 
I  Presbvtery,  of  the,  15. 
I      extinct.' 68. 

Process,  parties  in,  47. 


112 


GENERAL    INDEX. 


Process,  cases  without,  oG. 

general  rules.  49,  5J.  54. 
Prosecution,  iu  general,  47-55, 
103. 

limit  of  time,  69. 
Protests,  nature  of,  67. 
Psalms,  singing  of,  73. 

Q. 

Question,  previous,  300. 
Questions,  consideration  of,  52, 
99. 

of  order,  99. 
Quorum,  of  a  Session,  14. 

Presbvterv,  16, 

Synod,  19." 

General  Assembly,  21. 

(general;,  97. 

R. 

Reconsideration,  100. 

References,  62. 

Removals  of  candidates  and  li- 
centiates, 29,  69. 
of  a  minister,  36,  69. 
of  church-members,  15,  69. 

Resignation  of  a  charge,  38. 

Restoration  from  censures,  85, 
86. 

Review  and  control,  61. 

Revision  of  records,  15,  17,  18, 
20.  22,  61. 

Roll   of  suspended  and  absent 
members,  56. 

Rules  for  Judicatories,  97. 

Rules   regulative  of   Constitu- 
tional powers,  22. 

Rules,  Constitutional,  95. 

S. 
Sabbath,   of  the   sanctification 
of  the,  71. 


"Sacraments,    to     be    dispensed 
only  by  an  ordained  min- 
ister, 78,  80. 
i  Scriptures,  of  public  reading  of 
I          the,  73. 

I  Sealing   ordinances,  of  admis- 
I  sion  to,  14,  15,  83. 

I  Secret   worship,   directory  for, 
'  93. 

Session,  the  church,  13. 
cases  before,  49,  53,  56,  57. 
ministers  moderators  of,  14. 
Sick,  the  visitation  of  the,  90. 
j  Speakers  and  speaking,  99,  101, 

102. 
Synod,  of  the,  19. 


Testimony,  of  new,  60. 
Thanksgiving,  of  the  observa- 
tion of  the  days  of,  92. 
Trials,  50-55,  58-60. 

V. 

Vote,  in  ordinary  cases,  98, 100, 
101. 
judicial  cases,  49,  66. 
persons  not  allowed  to,  19, 20, 
54,  61,  64,  65. 

W. 

Witnesses,  of,  58. 
Worship,  the  directory  for,  71. 
secret  and  family,  93. 


Y. 

Yeas  and  nays,  record  of,  how 
required,  101. 
when  shall  not  be  called,  101, 


26  MA'XUAL   OF  THE   PRESBYTERY   OF  WEST  JERSEY, 


XI.— SOME  GENERAL  RULES  FOR  JUDICA- 
TORIES. 

[See  Form  of  Government  and  Book  of  Discipliuc.     Edition  jSg2.'\ 

Three  Ministers  and  as  many  Elders  as  may  be  present  shall  be  a 
quorum  of  Presbyten-.— P.  294,  vii. 

Two  members  may  adjourn. — P.  371,  iii. 

Two  members  may  appeal. — P.  371.  vi. 

Two  members  may  have  a  question  divided. — P.  573,  xvi. 

One-third  can  have  the  yeas  and  nays  recorded. — P.  375,  xxvii. 

A  maioritv  can  lay  on  the  table.  And  a  majority  can  take  up  again 
what  has  been  laid  on  the  table  "for  the  present. '" — P.  373,  xxi. 

Two-thirds  of  the  members  who  were  present  at  the  decision  can  re- 
consider '•  at  the  same  session. "" — P.  374,  xxiii. 

T^ree-fourths  of  those  who  were  present  at  the  decision  can  take  up  a 
.question  indetinitely  postponed. — P.  374,  xxiv. 

Order  of  Motions — i.  To  adjourn,  (which  is  always  in  order).  2.  To 
lav  on  the  table.  3.  To  postjx)ne  indetinitely.  4.  To  postpone 
to  a  dav  certain.     5.  To  commit.     6.  To  amend. — P.  373,  xix. 

The  Previous  Question  can  be  moved  at  any  time  when  demanded  bya 
majority  of  members  present. — P.  374,  xxii. 

Amendments. — See  p.  373,  xx. 

No  Debate  on  motions. — To  4ay  on  the  table.  To  take  up  business. 
To  adioum.  On  a  call  for  the  previous  question.  On  an  appeal 
from  a  decision  of  the  Moderator. — P.  373,  xviii ;  p.  376,  xxxvi. 

Speak  Once — On  question  of  order.     Postponeir  ^nt.      Commitment. 
P.  373.  >^^'iii- 

Speak  Twice — On  all  other  questions.— P.  373,  xviii. 

Mistakes ^^yh^  corrected  at  anytime.—  P.  374,  xxvi  ;  p.  375,  xxxii.\ 

No  Memher  Shall  Retire  without  leave.—  P.  376,  xxxvii. 
^llf^<!ator  to  Charge  the  Court.— V.  376,  xl. 

S^^-J.^pas  Right  to  Vote  ?  The  ^Moderator  shall  vote  when  voting  by 
ballot. — P.  372,  viii.     Judicial   Committee   may  vote. — P.  376, 

J=  Who  C^anadii^te  ?—See  Book  of  Discipline. 
>^  '  i?I^-bers  under  process,  p.  330,  No.  39. 

.-- 'J[^^n  •  Ji*rds  are  under  review,  p.  337,  No.  73. 

"^  /NeitSeiritJQmplainant  nor  party  complained  of,   p.  340,  No.  90, 
''^'either  Appellant  nor  party  appealed  from,  p.  341,  No.  98. 
Committee  of  Prosecution  shall  not  vote,  p.  377,  xlii. 


